Residents demand regulation of vendors to ease traffic congestion

Residents have complained about traffic congestion and other civic issues caused by vending zones on arterial roads in various parts of the city.

Madipakkam resident S.Swaminathan said traffic congestion in Velachery – Tambaram Road was high because of vendors along the highway stretch near Pallikaranai marshland. “Motorists park haphazardly near the vendors in large numbers to purchase the products along the road. There is no regulation. It becomes a traffic bottleneck during rush hour for motorists heading towards Tambaram from Velachery. The officials should regulate the vendors,” he said.

Sholinganallur resident L. Sahana said traffic congestion near Perungudi toll plaza on Rajiv Gandhi Salai was caused by vendors in the stretch. Officials have been unable to regulate the vendors along the stretch.

Residents of Anna Nagar G Block have complained about vendors blocking the road in the neighbourhood. Ward 104 councillor T.V.Shemmozhi said the officials demolished the vending units following complaints from residents who conducted a meeting to discuss the issue of vendors blocking the roads in Anna Nagar. “A large number of motorists visit the stretch, park their vehicles and block pedestrian movement,” he said. Residents said the vendors were also damaging civic infrastructure, including footpath constructed by the Greater Chennai Corporation.

Officials said a meeting will be conducted this week to regulate vendors along arterial roads including roads maintained by the Greater Chennai Corporation and Highways Department.

Residents have demanded that the proposal for wider Foot Over Bridges and pedestrian subways should be implemented by the Highways, Greater Chennai Corporation and other agencies to accommodate vendors in the pedestrian facilities. “If the Foot Over Bridges and pedestrian subways are wider, vending could be permitted, with rentals affordable for poor vendors belonging to the socially backward communities. Pedestrians will purchase essential commodities at cheaper prices in such vending zones. Such zones will be safer for women,” said an official.