I had read in the Herald newspaper dated September 7, 2018, (on pg 5) which had issued a cautious call to all the vehicle riders by Mapusa cops that they had hiked fines on wrong parking to curb haphazardly parking on roads and in no parking areas which leads to severe congestion in the town. Also, the traffic PI had said that Rs 300 is charged for parking violation. Of the Rs 300, “Rs 200 goes to the Municipality and Rs 100 for the traffic cell.
When I drive to Mapusa Market on my scooter I always keep a cautious mind because previously on three occasions I was innocently challaned for violating traffic rules.
The other day I drove to Mapusa Market around 10.40 am and finding no place to park I went around the market area to see if any space was available but, the only space was between the iron–guard barricaded by the gold traders. (Seen in the picture) two-wheelers are parked wrongly and haphazardly finding no place opposite the market jewellery and cloth shops roads leading to severe congestion).
I was also trying to push (park) my scooter among the congested mess but I got scared to do so because two traffic cops near the Bhoirao Shop side were looking. To avoid being booked I had driven straight to the old Municipality side and got my two-wheeler parked. While I was walking to the market I noticed below the Ambedkar Garden at T Junction, road lanes were congested with business activities and repairing works. On the Municipal limit area side it is free for all, the reason best known to the traffic cops.
In the Market area the two wheeler riders are harassed by the traffic cops even when there is no parking space to park their two-wheelers. Is this meant that the two-wheelers should park 500 metres away and come walking to the market?
When the fine is hiked for traffic violation, it is the paramount duty of the Municipality and Traffic Cell to increase the parking space in the market which is insufficient. Increasing place for parking before they enforced the hike of Rs 300 would be ideal. If not, it will likely be presumed that in the name of congestion it is a money making exercise.
Request the Mapusa and neighbouring residents as well as the visiting guest (tourists) who come in their two-wheelers to the market to be cautious before they park their wheelers. Otherwise the fine hike of Rs 300 may burn a hole in your wallet.
