Surat Traffic Policing Under Scanner As BJP MLA Kumar Kanani Questions Action Against Heavy Vehicles

Surat traffic police have come under scrutiny after BJP MLA Kumar Kanani questioned why enforcement appears to focus heavily on two-wheeler riders while dumpers, trucks, tractors and other vehicles allegedly flouting traffic rules continue to operate without adequate action.

In a letter to the Police Commissioner, the Varachha MLA raised eight questions over traffic management and enforcement, including the functioning of signals, movement of heavy vehicles during restricted hours, uncovered sand and soil carriers, illegal parking, air horns and violations involving auto-rickshaws.

Kanani questioned why motorists are fined for traffic violations while similar action is allegedly not being taken against other categories of vehicles.

Questions Over Traffic Signal Maintenance

Kanani said motorists jumping signals had become a serious concern and questioned the maintenance and timing of traffic signals at several locations.

He also questioned the implementation of the city's traffic signal project, asking what had happened to the project after what he described as its failure at an early stage.

Heavy Vehicles Under The Scanner

One of the key issues raised by the MLA was the movement of dumpers and other heavy vehicles during restricted hours.

Kanani questioned why adequate action was not being taken against heavy vehicles operating during prohibited periods despite the traffic restrictions.

He also raised concerns over tractors and trucks carrying sand or soil without covering their loads, asking why such vehicles were allegedly being allowed to operate on city roads without action.

Air Horns And Obstructive Parking

The MLA also sought action against private buses and other large vehicles allegedly using loud air horns and causing a nuisance for road users.

Illegal or obstructive parking was another issue highlighted in the letter. Kanani questioned why vehicles parked in a manner that disrupts traffic flow on city roads were not being dealt with.

Auto-Rickshaws Also Face Questions

Kanani raised concerns over auto-rickshaws operating without registration numbers and those allegedly carrying passengers beyond their permitted capacity.

He also questioned why action was not being taken against rickshaws parked at three-way and four-way intersections in a manner that blocks roads and disrupts traffic.

Encroachments And Traffic Management

The MLA further questioned the police response to traffic problems caused by roadside encroachments.

He called for improvements in traffic management at several locations, including Bhavani Circle, Saraswati Circle, Kapodra and Khand Bazar.

The letter has drawn attention because the questions centre on enforcement across different categories of road users rather than only on fines imposed on two-wheelers.

Eight Questions Raised By Kumar Kanani

1. Why are traffic signal maintenance and timing not up to the mark?
2. Why is action not being taken against dumpers and heavy vehicles operating during restricted hours?
3. Why are trucks and tractors carrying uncovered sand or soil allegedly being allowed to operate without action?
4. Why is action not being taken against private buses and large vehicles using loud air horns?
5. Why is action not being taken against vehicles parked in a way that obstructs traffic?
6. Why is action not being taken against auto-rickshaws without registration numbers or those carrying excess passengers?
7. Why are rickshaws blocking roads at three-way and four-way intersections not being dealt with?
8. Why is the police department not taking steps to address traffic problems caused by encroachments?

Kanani's letter puts the spotlight on whether traffic enforcement in Surat is being applied consistently across different categories of vehicles and violations. The concerns come amid continuing complaints over traffic congestion and management in parts of the city.