The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) has taken proactive steps to address the problem of vehicles obstructing traffic due to parking in no parking zones. They have started photographing vehicles parked in these restricted areas and issuing challans to motorists. Main roads in Chennai have been designated as strict no parking zones to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Various stretches like Riddardan Road, EVK Sampath Salai, Dasprakash, Nair Point Road, Gandhi Irwin Road, 100 Feet Road from Kodambakkam to Padi Bridge, Anna Salai and the area around the airport have been identified as no parking zones. Motorists violating these restrictions can easily pay their fine online or through e-seva centres.

Police have observed that many people park their vehicles in front of shops, often justifying it as a short-term stop. To discourage such behaviour, a fine of Illegal parking will be fined Rs 500 and repeat violators will have to pay a fine of Rs 500 to 1000.

A senior traffic official said that due to the ongoing infrastructure work, there has been variation in the width of the road, making it important to prevent vehicles from obstructing the flow of traffic in certain areas. To support the efforts, traffic marshals have been deployed, with around 600 personnel assisting the traffic police in reducing congestion across the city.

Advocate Padmanabhan suggested that the license plate details of these vehicles should be entered and blacklisted, and the list should be updated regularly. Along with this, vehicles of habitual criminals should also be seized. He also emphasized that hotel and shop owners who fail to provide specified parking facilities for their customers should also face penalty. These measures are aimed at reducing traffic problems in Chennai and encourage responsible parking practices.