Kozhikode: Traffic snarls throw life out of gear

KOZHIKODE: While the city sees a flow of people and vehicles in the wake of Onam season, the endless traffic snarls turn life a nightmare.  There is no surety for anyone at what time one can reach a place and return home or office. Traffic assistant commissioner A.K. Babu said a meeting chaired by district collector U.V. Jose had decided to ban single- passenger vehicles in the city during the festival days.  “We also insist them to use the public transport system to reduce the rush,” he told DC. “The meeting also ensured sufficient parking places and earmarked. 20 grounds at various locations.” 

The police also intensified the crackdown on illegal parking on roads.  He feels this year the rush in the streets is comparatively less. The traffic police had also ensured sufficient personnel from AR camp for peaceful vehicular movements. Trader C.E. Chakkunny said the traffic snarls had affected the public life and trade as buyers fear to venture out. “Truck owners had assured that they would not enter major markets as there is no surety on the exact time they can escape from the traffic snarls,” he told DC.  “Major business houses have shifted their operations outside the city. So the city is losing its charm as a  business hub.”

Restriction on private vehicles may ease woes

The traffic regulations mooted by the district collector and implemented by the city police for the Onam season get comparatively better results in the parking sector also.  Shoppers feel that this Onam is better compared to the recent years, hinting at restricting private vehicles to the city during peak hours.
Already, some school grounds and public places like underpasses were allotted for parking, and the corporation was notified to arrange the parking fee. 

The police gave directions in advance on measures to tackle the traffic and parking and allowed temporary parking on Malabar Marketing Society land, Butt Road park, Ramakrishna Mission School ground, West Hill Polytechnic, skill development centre, Kunnamangalam high school, Govt Model High School, Govt Arts and Science College etc. “The public also need to be careful and should encourage to use public transport system and avoid travelling just one person in a car. This time the police also acted swiftly, other than just passing directions,” said P. Ramakrishnan, P and GS manager at LIC, Kozhikode.