Representative image of towing.
Bengaluru: In a bid to ease traffic on Bengaluru’s congested roads and to introduce proposed towing of wrongly parked vehicles, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) requesting an immediate supply of 10 new towing vehicles.
The letter seeks one vehicle each for a traffic division and sub-divisions immediately as part of the overall 10-vehicle requirement to commence the operation without delay.
This effort signals a major shift towards strict enforcement, specifically targeting unauthorised parking that hinders smooth movement of vehicles across 154 high-density congestion points.
Joint commissioner of police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy confirmed the proactive measure in a formal letter. The letter, seen by DH, highlights that while the department has prioritised improvement measures, non-compliance with parking rules, including parking on footpaths at intersections, and double parking are now the primary disruptors of traffic flow.
Targeting 154 critical hotspots
The enforcement drive is planned across key locations mapped by the Traffic Department. The proposal details 12 high-density corridor roads, 43 notorious congestion junctions, and 99 major roads identified for high traffic flow challenges.
“I have written to all five commissioners, and we have asked them to provide both towing vehicles and commission staff for this operation,” JCP Reddy told DH. “We will take action on 12 high-density corridors, 43 major junctions, and 99 congested roads across the city.”
Among the corridors earmarked for stringent enforcement are crucial stretches like the Outer Ring Road (Tumakuru Road to Goraguntepalya), Hosur Road (St John’s Hospital to Central Silk Board), and Ballari Road (Chalukya Circle to Hebbal).
Notorious junctions like Hebbal, Silk Board, KR Puram, and Jedi Mara are also top priorities, where even minor unauthorised stops can trigger massive bottlenecks.
Dual fine structure implemented
Crucially, the proposal seeks to authorise a new dual fine structure under the Motor Vehicles (MV) Law and the Greater Bengaluru Administration (GBA) Act, to ensure deterrence and revenue sharing with the municipal body.
Under the new combined regime, two-wheelers violating parking rules will face a total fine of Rs 1,000 which includes the Rs 500 penalty under the MV Law for violation of parking prohibition and an additional Rs 500 under the GBA Act.
For cars and other vehicles, the combined fine will be significantly steeper, amounting to Rs 1,500 (Rs 500 under MV Law and Rs 1,000 under the GBA Act). Officers above the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) will be authorised to collect the fine as per the rule.
Need for enforcement
BTP believes this joint action against unauthorised parking will be instrumental in ensuring “smooth movement of the public and relieving traffic congestion,” transforming the current focus from merely managing jams to proactively eliminating their root causes.