Illegal parking creates mayhem in Thippasandra

Parking issue is bothering residents of Thippasandra for a long time. What is appalling is that vehicles are parked right below the no-parking sign. Even after several complaints and police patrolling, there is no change in the situation.
There are certain rules for parking in Thippasandra. Drivers and motorists can park their vehicles only on one side of the road. This is done for the smooth flow of traffic so that there is no road block due to double parking.
But it is seen that shoppers mostly park vehicles right behind the no-parking sign. Residents from 1st Cross have complained that of late, motorists have started parking their vehicles inside the residential areas of the colony, blocking the entrance of homes. "Sometimes bikes and cars are parked right in front of our gate, blocking our way," says a resident of the area.
After several complaints by residents, the police started keeping an eye on illegal parking on the main road. They have even fined violators. But the situation remains unchanged in the interior side lanes and residential areas as these are not frequented by the patrolling teams.
One cannot overlook the fact that whole of Thippasandra is a commercial hub and parking of vehicles on the road creates regular traffic jams.

Vendors on footpath
Even the footpaths in Thippasandra are not left for pedestrians. Most of the footpaths in the area are occupied by small-time vendors. Pedestrians are forced to walk on the road.

One-way traffic
Driving in one-way roads is another issue faced by residents. "The whole of Thippasandra is a one-way road, but in peak traffic hours, like morning and afternoon, people drive in wrong direction. Motorists coming from opposite direction are caught unawares if suddenly someone drives in the wrong way. Accidents are bound to happen if it continues like this," said Varun, a commuter.

***************************************************************************************************
residents speak
"Most of the commercial establishments in the area don't even bother about providing parking facilities to their customers. They even use the basement area to set up shops. Customers should shun those places that do not provide parking facility," said Nandani a shopper.
"People have given up on the traffic in this area. Because of the chaotic parking, traffic is worst these days. The authorities should make some arrangements to tackle the situation," said Sunil Kumar, a commuter.
"BBMP and traffic police are duty-bound to ensure safe footpaths for pedestrians. The rights of pedestrians over the footpaths are taken away by hawkers, vendors and cattle," said Aarthi, a pedestrian.
***************************************************************************************************

—Anjali Srivastava