Pedestrians elbowed out: Footpaths overrun by cars

Bengaluru: After the High Court verdict, BBMP has been clearing encroachments on footpaths and laying their proper foundations again in many areas.

But another malpractice rampant in the city is pavement parking, which compels pedestrians to walk on the  road. The problem is more prominent starting from Viveknagar to Koramnagala 100 feet road as there’s bumper-to-bumper parking on the footpaths.

DC takes a look:
Roshni Thakur, a resident of Viveknagar, points out, “Since the footpaths are level with the roads it becomes easier for people to park their vehicles on the footpath. This has been a standard practice in this locality.”  

Ravi Sharma, another resident says, “People are parking their cars in front of their houses, as they think the land in front of their house too belongs to them. The traffic cops need to fine them. This practice is prevalent in all residential colonies.

The problem arises as people are given property on rent without car parking facilities and this results in illegal parking of vehicles. We need ‘no parking boards’ in residential areas as well.”

The problem at Vivek Nagar stems from its many garages and shops. People from the vicinity come here for minor purchases and due to lack of parking space they end up parking on the footpath. The road is also quite narrow.

“The garages keep the vehicles parked on the footpath for days and no one bothers. The police are never around to fine these people,” grumbles Rupak Kumar, resident.

On the other hand, appreciating BBMP’s efforts, Gangadhar Swamy, a commuter says, “The PIL demanding better footpaths has definitely brought about some changes, but there is more to be done.”