Cops collect fine for 'no offence'

There are some roads in Mangalore where the parking places are not marked. However, when people park their vehicles in such places, they are imposed with a penalty fee by the traffic cops.

A road in Car Street has a yellow line drawn on either sides making it clear that the place is for authorised parking on alternate days. However, there is no instruction board or sign saying ‘no parking.’ But, when people park, they are immediately issued with a parking penalty ticket by the cops.

One such ‘victim’ told Deccan Herald that despite the absence of ‘no parking’ board, he was imposed a fine on Monday. Upon enquiry, it was found that there were many such ‘victims.’ When this correspondent enquired with the traffic cop about the absence of ‘no parking boards,’ pat came the reply: “You are supposed to know.” Interestingly, the coupon (fine slip) also states that if the fine (Rs 100) was not paid within 24 hours, legal process would be initiated.

Traders speak

Though a meeting has been held with the traders on the kind of parking mechanism in the area (parking on alternate days on one side), no informative boards have been displayed explaining the system, making it impossible for an outsider to know the system.

On the other hand, when this correspondent went to Bunder Police station with the slip and photographs of the location, the police started spinning a different explanation altogether saying that it was just a “warning slip” and that the bearer “need not necessarily pay” towards it.

When contacted, DCP (Traffic and Crime) Mutthuraya said that he shall definitely look into the matter and rectify if there is a problem.

New system

“Parking on the alternate sides of roads on Car Street is a new system taken for systematic traffic control. The painting work has to be yet done by the City Corporation. To demarcate any parking or no parking area, a magistrate notice has to be issued. The notification to Car Street road is yet to be issued and only then action can be taken. The cops were asked only to inform and warn the people. They are not supposed to impose fine. However, if there is any discrepancy, people can approach the Commissionerate,” assured Mangalore Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh.