A lane below the JJ flyover in south Mumbai has been taken over by second hand car dealers who have illegally parked vehicles here, inconveniencing motorists
Already hassled by hawkers encroaching their footpaths leaving them little place to walk, residents of Mohammad Ali Road in south Mumbai are now plagued by a new menace.
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With the footpaths already encroached upon by hawkers, residents of Mohammad Ali Road are now finding it difficult to drive on the stretch as well, as used cars that are for sale are illegally occupying the third lane below the JJ Flyover. Pic/Sameer Markande
Second hand car dealers have resorted to parking their cars for sale on the lane closest to the footpath, which is hindering traffic movement and causing chaos on one of the busiest streets in the city.
The parking is in clear violation of traffic rules, as it’s a no parking zone. Residents said complaints have been made to the concerned authorities, but have fallen on deaf ears.
Shaheen Kadri, a daily commuter, said, “Second hand car dealers have usurped the third lane, and due to this the middle lane is mostly occupied by cars parked by motorists who come here to shop or deliver goods.
So there is only one lane available to drive your vehicle. It’s annoying that it takes 30 to 45 minutes to cover a distance of one kilometre.”
The entire stretch under the JJ Flyover, which starts at JJ Hospital and ends near Crawford market, sees high congestion of traffic due to the impediments.
A traffic constable, manning one of the traffic signals, said, “We have to carry out our duty and whenever any complaints come to us, we take action.
In fact, at times, we take suo moto action by towing vehicles that are illegally parked.” Assistant Municipal Commissioner of B-ward, Jayant Bansod, was not available for comment, despite repeated attempts.