Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police, in coordination with local police stations, intensified action against illegal parking across the city following a state directive to adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach toward the menace and related extortion. Joint CP (Traffic) Rupesh Kumar shared data revealing that 603 cases of illegal parking were reported in just seven hours — between 9 am and 4 pm — on Thursday. By 8 pm, the number had surged to 1,526.
Area-Wise Breakdown of Cases
Of the 603 cases reported by 4 pm, the Regent Park Traffic Guard, responsible for the area from Tollygunge to Gangulybagan, recorded 72 cases. The South Traffic Guard, covering the office district between Exide crossing and SN Banerjee Road, reported 57 cases. In contrast, only two cases were reported at Beleghata Traffic Guard and four at Ultadanga Guard. Both these guards have been instructed to conduct extensive raids.
Government's New Policy on Parking
Bengal's Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Agnimitra Paul, announced a sweeping crackdown on illegal parking and revenue leakage to decongest city roads. She highlighted that roadside parking has contributed to a 'manifold increase in congestion' over recent years. The minister outlined two primary policy shifts:
- Single-Side Parking: To address the chaos caused by double-sided parking — a practice that has persisted illegally for 15 years — the government will now strictly regulate road usage. Parking will be restricted to a single, designated side of the road. By banning parking on the opposite side, the department aims to reclaim space and ensure smoother traffic flow.
- Stopping Illegal Fee Collection: The minister took a firm stance against the illegal collection of parking fees, which has historically bypassed the state exchequer. All unauthorized fee collections must stop immediately. The government is moving to ensure that 100% of parking taxes reach the government treasury rather than being diverted by illegal operators.
'We have taken the principled decision to end the 15-year era of illegal double-sided parking. Furthermore, we must stop illegal fee collection at once to ensure that every rupee of tax belongs to the government and is used for public welfare,' Paul said.
The crackdown aims to restore order to urban transit and ensure that parking regulations are strictly enforced across Kolkata.
