Team Herald
PANJIM: The Panjim Traffic Cell has identified 199 abandoned vehicles that have occupied open parking space in its jurisdiction for several months. In a comprehensive study, traffic personnel have identified 101 two-wheelers, 93 four-wheelers and five auto-rickshaws ‘abandoned’ at different locations.
“From the looks of these vehicles, it is evident that these vehicles are not being used for a number of days and are parked idle and occupying precious parking space in Panjim city. Some businessmen are using these vehicles as store room/godown to keep their goods in these vehicles. Even some junk vehicles are found parked on the road,” a statement issued by the Traffic Department stated.
Owners of these ‘abandoned vehicles’ have been asked to remove them from the parking lots within one week, failing which these will be auctioned.
“The vehicle owners are requested to remove their vehicles within seven days so that parking is made available for other vehicles. After seven days, a fresh survey will be conducted and a list of such vehicles still lying at the spot will be sent to the District Magistrate, North Goa and the Commissioner, CCP, for beginning the process of auction after serving notice to the owners of these vehicles under section 133 of MV Act,” it stated.
In the past, about 50 such ‘abandoned vehicles’ have been auctioned by CCP after owners failed to claim them. As per section 127(1) of the M V Act 1988, any vehicles left unattended for more than 10 hours are considered abandoned vehicles.
The Traffic Cell has also warned that in future, ‘abandoned vehicles’ found occupying parking space in the city will be towed away and kept at CCP yard, without intimation to the owners and at the cost of owners.
