24 Mar 2023  |   05:51am IST

Right-of-way for pedestrians? Not in Margao, where zebra-crossings are parking spaces

Team Herald

MARGAO: Frustrated citizens of Margao as well as civic body councillors have called on the traffic police to initiate action against commuters parking their two-wheelers on the zebra crossings and inconveniencing pedestrians in the bustling commercial town of Margao.

Speaking to reporters, Mahesh Amonkar, a councillor of the Margao Municipal Council demanded action against the violators of traffic rules. 

“I have witnessed several two-wheelers being parked on the zebra crossing around the Municipal building, and various other places,” he said. He urged the Margao Traffic Cell to issue challans to the owners of vehicles parked on zebra crossings and footpaths, and also requested the authorities  to paint the zebra crossing lines properly, so that it is visible.

 Margao local Raju Shirodkar said that the plight of pedestrians in the town is already quite worrisome as they are unable to cross congested roads due to the constant movement of vehicles. The haphazard parking only adds to their woes, he said. “Even if a traffic policeman is manning the particular crossing,  no one cares to remove the vehicle and fine the troublemakers who are blocking the zebra crossing,” he alleged. 

“The law-breakers show that they are not afraid of the police and their action,” said another road-user Shawn Rebello.