Police to act tough against unauthorised parking on NHs

Trichy: A day after eight members of a family were killed in a road accident near Samayapuram as their vehicle rammed into a stationary truck, Trichy Superintendent of Police Ziaul Haque on Monday ordered all police stations along the highways to act tough against vehicles parked on highways. Personnel manning 30 police stations in the district have been drafted for this drive, said Haque. Eleven highway patrol teams also have been put on high alert.

Police have also embarked on an awareness campaign targeting truck owners and drivers to ensure that vehicles are parked only at designated spots off highways. Those who violate the rule would attract action under IPC 279 (rash and negligent driving, endangering human lives). Police have also been instructed not to stop vehicles on highways for inspection. Vehicles would be guided to safe zones before police carry out inspection, said Haque.

“A helpline should be introduced for people to alert highway patrol teams if they find vehicles parked on highways,” S Pushpavanam, secretary, Consumer Protection Council, Tamil Nadu said. He also demanded that highways should be better illuminated.

Most heavy vehicles plying along highways get caught in accidents as they do not have tail lamps and brake lights. Many heavy vehicles do not have reflectors too. At times while travelling in the night, motorists get to see trucks moving ahead of them only after they get as close as 50 feet. For a fast-moving car on highways, it is too short a distance to apply brake and stop. If the driver’s attention gets diverted for even a fraction of a second, it can lead to accidents.

Police have also raised concerns about drivers not bothering to take adequate rest before getting behind the wheels. Even passengers need to ensure that their drivers are alert and not deprived of sleep, said a police officer.

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