In a significant move to enhance road safety, Bihar's Transport Minister, Shravan Kumar, issued a stern directive on Sunday, ordering stringent action against individuals who carelessly park and abandon their four-wheeled vehicles on roadsides across the state.
Strict Penalties for Violators
The minister declared that any four or more wheeled vehicle, including cars, trucks, tractors, and buses, found parked on the roadside for two days or more, will face severe consequences. He explicitly stated that strict action will be taken against both the driver and the vehicle owner. The range of penalties authorized includes:
- Heavy fines
- Seizure of the vehicle
- Suspension of the driver's license
Minister Kumar has personally directed officials from the state transport department to ensure that action is taken against such violators as per the rules.
Fog and Safety Concerns Prompt Action
The crackdown is primarily driven by concerns over public safety during the winter season. A transport department official, supporting the minister's instructions, explained that dense fog prevails in major parts of the state during cold weather. This leads to a sharp increase in road accidents, as abandoned vehicles on roadsides become a major hazard due to severely reduced visibility.
"Many times, high-speed vehicles collide with these parked trucks, posing a serious risk to life," the official said, highlighting the critical need for the initiative. The department is now gearing up for a statewide enforcement drive to implement the minister's order effectively.
The Other Side: Parking Shortages and Encroachments
While the government's focus is on safety, people involved in the transport business have pointed to a persistent infrastructure issue. They argue that a fundamental reason for illegal roadside parking is the acute lack of sufficient off-street and multi-level parking spots in most urban areas across Bihar.
This scarcity forces vehicle owners to park on roads and footpaths. Furthermore, even in areas where paid parking facilities exist, commuters are often deterred by poor management or high prices, leading them to opt for illegal street parking.
Another significant challenge they highlighted is road encroachment. "Most of the city roads are encroached by businesses and traders. Showrooms, garages, hawkers, and roadside businesses often encroach upon public roads and footpaths, reducing available space for both moving traffic and legal parking," industry representatives pointed out. This complex situation underscores the multifaceted challenge of urban traffic management in the state.
