In an effort to address the persistent problem of vehicles parked illegally on roadsides and footpaths, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a campaign to confiscate such vehicles. As of now, 22 vehicles have been seized, and the PMC is urging citizens to remove their parked vehicles to alleviate traffic issues in the city.
With the rapid increase in the number of vehicles in Pune, traffic congestion has become a significant concern. Improper parking has worsened the situation, with many residents leaving their vehicles abandoned on roads and footpaths, obstructing the flow of traffic and creating an unappealing and unhygienic environment.
To tackle this problem, the PMC’s Anti-Encroachment Department has initiated a campaign to impound illegally parked vehicles. The impounded vehicles can be retrieved within one month by paying a redemption fee. The fees vary based on the type of vehicle: Rs 25,000 for passenger buses and trucks, Rs 20,000 for light vehicles weighing up to 10 tonnes, Rs 15,000 for cars and jeeps, Rs 10,000 for rickshaws and tempos, and Rs 5,000 for two-wheelers. The PMC has issued a seven-day notice, urging citizens to remove their parked vehicles from the roads to avoid confiscation.
Since the start of the campaign last week, the municipality has already seized 22 vehicles. Notices have been issued to the owners of 18 impounded vehicles. To further streamline operations, separate cranes will be provided in each regional office, starting from Monday. Madhav Jagtap, Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Encroachment Department, emphasized the importance of immediate vehicle removal by citizens to ensure smooth traffic flow.
It is worth mentioning that around a year and a half ago, the PMC conducted a similar drive and seized approximately 1,200 vehicles. As these vehicles were not reclaimed within the stipulated time, they were auctioned with permission from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and sold as scrap, generating a revenue of Rs 1.5 crore for the municipal corporation, according to Jagtap.
The PMC’s current campaign against illegal parking aims to create a more organized and efficient traffic system in Pune. By taking strict action against violators and urging citizens to comply with parking regulations, the municipal corporation hopes to alleviate traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life in the city.
