Kolkata: Even after 10 days of intense enforcement by the Kolkata Traffic Police, during which they prosecuted over 43,000 cases of helmetless driving and illegal parking, an analysis of several city areas has revealed that general awareness may take more time to develop. According to Lalbazar sources, at several spots, a larger number of violations were observed between the eighth and 10th days of the drive compared to the first three days.
Police Commissioner Calls for Sustained Drive
Commissioner Ajay Nand and the senior leadership at Lalbazar have now called for a sustained enforcement drive, with a particular focus on bylanes, weekends, and post-8 PM hours when violations peak. The South Traffic Guard reported 60 cases of illegal parking on May 9 and 232 on May 10, but a sharp increase to 993 on May 16, a Saturday when offices around Park Street are closed, and another 433 on the following Sunday. Similarly, the Headquarters Traffic Guard recorded 204 violations for illegal parking on May 8 and 45 on May 9, but 533 on May 15 and 594 on May 16.
Helmetless Riding Trends
Helmetless riding has shown similar patterns. The Headquarters Guard reported 95 violations on May 10, 80 on May 11, but 97 on May 16 and 120 on May 17. Jorabagan reported 46 such cases on May 8, 16 on May 9, and 14 on May 10, but then 166 cases on May 16 and 125 on May 17. Given these statistics, police said the main focus will be on the CBD, Burrabazar-Posta, and the Camac Street-Minto Park areas.
Minister's Announcement on Illegal Parking
This follows minister Agnimitra Paul's announcement of strict monitoring to stop illegal parking. "No vehicles will be parked where parking is not permitted," she said. In additional areas, officers have been directed to target illegal garages and unauthorized truck parking. "Several vehicles get parked even off Bypass and DH Road," said a joint commissioner.
