Traffic cops to demarcate space for auto stands

THANE: The Thane traffic department has initiated a survey of autorickshaw stands in the city and its impact on the city traffic.

The survey was undertaken after growing concern over autos parked haphazardly anywhere on the roads outside the space alloted for auto stands.

The newly appointed deputy police commissioner of traffic, Sandeep Palave said the three main causes of traffic congestion are narrow roads, high density of vehicles and autorickshaws and no driving sense.

Palave said, “It is necessary to discipline the autorickshaws which will help to decongest the city traffic to some extend. We have undertaken the survey of the auto rickshaw stands in the city which will be completed in one week. Based on the survey we will divide the auto stands in three categories, small, medium and large.”

The traffic cops will demarcate space for the auto stands in each of these categories. The stands will have proper railings to prevent the autos from parking outside the stands.

“We have done this as a pilot project in Shivaji Chowk near Kalwa Naka which has helped to reduce some traffic on this junction,” Palve added.

The department has also undertaken several other initiatives to decongest traffic. “We have increased the people on the road rather than in the traffic unit offices. The traffic cops on the junctions will also work in eight hour shifts so we can man the junctions for longer hours,” Palve said.

The department has identified traffic congestion points in the interior of the city like schools, colleges or narrow lanes, which will be continuously monitored by two traffic cops. The roads marred by illegal parking will also be monitored henceforth to ensure the road is not blocked by them.

Palve added, “The traffic of heavy vehicles will also be closely monitored and anybody who tries to enter the city during the peak hours will not only be fined but the vehicles will be seized and allowed to go only at night.”