Vizag cops begin crackdown on traffic violations

Visakhapatnam: In a bid to improve road safety and ease traffic congestion in the city, Visakhapatnam traffic police have launched a crackdown on illegal parking. The initiative, which began on May 26, has seen a significant rise in enforcement actions with more than 1,500 vehicles wheel-locked for parking violations. The campaign has seen a heightened police presence in key areas like KGH Hospital, Rama Talkies Road, and Maddilapalem on Saturday.

The traffic personnel are actively targeting vehicles parked in ‘No parking’ areas, those driving in wrong direction or crossing the yellow line. The police are not just slapping fines (challans) under the Motor Vehicles Act, but also wheel-locking vehicles that were parked in ‘No parking’ areas. To effectively enforce the campaign, the traffic department has procured 200 new wheel-locking devices. Vehicles immobilized for violations will have a sticker affixed with the contact details of the corresponding police officer and the penalty amount (Rs. 1,035) to be paid. The vehicles will only be released after payment of the fine.

Traffic Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Srinivas emphasized the department's commitment in maintaining road safety and discipline. He stated that shop owners should also provide cellar parking to address the issue of vehicle congestion during busy hours. Additionally, the police have requested the owners to take the responsibility for managing the situation. ADCP Srinivas said that illegally parked vehicles were wheel-locked, then photographed and would be send to the vehicle owners as an evidence. Additionally, a paper would be placed on the windshield of the vehicle informing the driver about the fine and the challan payment procedure.