Motorists and auto-drivers who continue to flout the one-way traffic rule on C.P. Koil Street in Mylapore not only inconvenience commuters and pedestrians and local businesses but are not being penalised b y the police.
The issue has became acute after the closure of the Luz Circle stretch due to Chennai Metro rail project. Motorists increasingly using C.P. Koil Street as an alternative route.
Despite the presence of a No Entry board, motorists and auto-rickshaws continue to enter the narrow stretch from the restricted side, leading to congestion and inconvenience.
Venugopal, proprietor of Venugopal Krishnan Jewellers that is in business for 33 years, said the situation has worsened in recent months.
“Our customers and we find it difficult to use the space here. When a police officer was here yesterday, traffic was under control for some time. But after he left, everything went back to the way it was,” he said.
Venugopal said that often arguments between motorists and shopkeepers or pedestrians take place.
Brindha who uses the road to travel to work, said pedestrians face difficulties during the evening rush.
“In the evenings, there’s hardly any space to walk because vehicles come from both directions. It’s very stressful,” she said.
Shopkeepers and pedestrians want stricter enforcement of traffic rules by the police.
– By Amirtha Varshini V. / student trainee reporter
