Pune: In Pune, growing frustration among residents over inconsistent traffic enforcement and congestion issues has prompted calls for fairer and more transparent traffic management. Particularly in areas like Karvenagar, citizens have expressed discontent over daily motorcycle seizures and the perceived indifference of traffic authorities towards four-wheelers and heavy vehicles parked or moving in restricted zones.
Local residents report that the narrow stretch between Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha and Dudhane Lawn regularly experiences traffic jams, especially when motorcycles are seized for parking violations. This action, while legally justified, has become a flashpoint, often going viral on social media platforms due to its disruptive nature and lack of coordination.
One of the primary concerns is the behavior of traffic police. Residents allege that instead of managing traffic, officers often hide near signals or stand near “No Entry” zones, only emerging to issue fines. This has widened the gap between citizens and law enforcement, leading to perceptions that the focus is more on penalization than regulation.
Citizens are also demanding on-the-spot penalty settlement for parking violations. They argue that if a person is ready to pay the fine, there is no need to tow the motorcycle to the police station, which only increases the fine and causes further inconvenience.
Another sore point is the selective nature of enforcement. While motorcycles are towed for parking violations, residents note that no action is taken against nearby four-wheelers or tempos parked in the same area. They are calling for equal and unbiased enforcement across all types of vehicles, suggesting the use of wheel clamps and immediate fines for four-wheelers to ensure public trust.
Furthermore, the lack of traffic personnel in congested zones has also drawn criticism. Citizens say that while some areas see strict enforcement, high-traffic locations are often left unmanaged, worsening the gridlock.
The poor condition of traffic signage such as “P1”, “P2”, “No Parking”, and “No Entry” boards is another issue highlighted. Residents have requested prompt repairs and replacements to aid better traffic discipline.
Lastly, concerns were raised over the unrestricted movement of heavy vehicles within the city. Residents noted instances where, even as two-wheelers were being penalized, large construction vehicles like cement mixers moved about freely, raising questions about selective enforcement and public safety.
Residents are now urging Pune Traffic Police to adopt a more consistent, citizen-friendly approach and address these long-standing issues to restore public confidence and improve overall traffic conditions in the city.
