City gets patrol vehicles, helpline to crack down on banners

A decision to this effect was taken at a review meeting chaired by Greater Chennai Corporation CommissionerG Prakash on Saturday.

“In coordination with the city police, the Corporation will launch one patrol vehicle each for the three corporation regions with a dedicated helpline number,” a release from the Corporation said.

The Corporation has initiated action on illegal hoardings and banners following R Subhasri, a techie, riding a two-wheeler on Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road in Pallikaranai was run over by a water tanker on Thursday after a banner fell on her.

To register complaints, residents of zone 1 to 5 in the northern region can call 9445190205, while zone 6 to 10 in central region can call 9445190698. Those residing at zone 11 to 15 in the south should call 9445194802.

“If a complaint is received, officials stationed in patrol vehicles would visit the spot and take pictures and video of the hoarding. They would collect information and remove them if they are flouting regulations. A fine would also be imposed on those who erected the hoarding and a case would be registered against them,” the release said.

The Commissioner noted, till date, 3,964 hoardings have been removed and 245 cases have been filed.