Cars spill on to roads as motorists insist on double parking in sector 9

VASHI: The market in sector 9, Vashi, is understandably crowded all through the day. What is not justified, however, is the chaos that is created on the road outside the market because of illegal parking by errant motorists.

The market, where vegetables and fruits are sold, is situated across the road from sector 15-16 market. In fact, people looking for jewellery, garments and other household items also find their way to this mini-market.

However, in their haste to shop, motorists are often found to be parking illegally and blocking the way for other vehicles passing through the area. Double parking is another reason that causes traffic congestion in the area.

“Sector 9 is a very busy place as it is a market area. I have been working here for the last 10 years, but there is no respite from the traffic congestion that is caused by haphazardly parked vehicles,” said Tinga Pari, who works in a retail shop in the area. “We have even requested the traffic police to find a solution, but there have been no concrete solutions.”

According to shopkeepers in the area, road works were also a part of the problem. Not only does it inconvenience pedestrians, but also leaves no space left for parking.

Himesh Kumar, who works at Prince shop in sector 9, said, “People must be encouraged to use public transport. By increasing the number of buses or even shuttle services, private vehicles entering the area can be reduced.”

“My husband is waiting in the car, which has been parked along the road as I shop for vegetables. As there is no parking space, he has had to resort to double parking,” said Sheetal Kolluri, a cus- tomer at the market. “There is little we can do about it, and it is for the authorities to make plans to provide space for parking.”

According to Vijay Patil, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) there was no solution to the problem.

“Double parking is the main problem in the area. On the left hand side starting from the fire brigade to the station to the Gaon Devi temple, there are some designated pay-and-parks, but people still insist on parking on the road. I have even seen people from the nearby housing societies parking on the main road in sector 9,” he said.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Haphazardly parked cars cover a part of the road and often disrupt traffic in the busy area.