VASCO
Ignoring an MPT circular banning vehicles from parking near the IOC wall, tall and heavy vehicles like tankers, trailers and buses have resumed parking dangerously close to oil terminals along the FL Gomes road in Vasco.
The stationary vehicles have not only caused traffic congestion along the narrow road, but local activists have raised concern that these tall vehicles could offer terrorists and anti-social elements easy access to the oil terminals. What has also surprised these activists is that these heavy vehicles are parked right opposite the Vasco police station housing the Traffic Cell and the Mormugao DySP’s office.
Speaking to reporters, social activist Vikram Sarmalkar said these heavy vehicles pose a great danger as miscreants could easily climb atop the tall vehicle and gain entry into the high compound wall of oil tanking companies, causing a grave breach of security.
“Someone can scale the high compound wall through these tall vehicles. Where is the traffic police and where are the traffic sentinels,” asked Sarmalkar.
“If people wrongly park their vehicles, they receive a challan at home. Why are these heavy vehicles being ignored? This is a regular affair and what is more shocking is that this is right in front of the police station. Why have the authorities turned a blind eye and jeopardise the lives of people in Vasco,” asked Sarmalkar.
Another resident, Ramesh Naik, said the heavy vehicles were even found double parked near the petrol pump opposite the Madina Masjid.
“There are times when you see them trying to occupy the entry point of the petrol pump, causing great inconvenience to other motorists. Today, vehicles are parked right up to the vegetable market. I understand there may be no place to park, but safety of Vasco cannot be compromised and in no way can we allow them to park near sensitive installations like oil tanks,” said Naik.
It may be recalled that The Goan had highlighted the issue a few months ago, prompting MPT to issue a circular banning vehicles from parking near the IOC wall while in the process of loading/offloading cargo.
We’re acting, clamped some trailers: Vasco Traffic PI
VASCO: Insisting that the Traffic Police has been taking action against stationary vehicles near oil tanks, Vasco PI Traffic Roy Pereira said the police have even clamped the vehicles at times. “These are all vehicles going to and from MPT with cargo and there is no dedicated parking place allotted to these vehicles,” explained PI Pereira.
“They also have no designated time for entry and exit. They sometimes come in the night, park and go to MPT whose gates are just opposite the road.”
“We have been taking action. We have clicked photos and sent them to the traffic sentinel. We have also began clamping their vehicles and have issued challans. On Monday night, we clamped eight trailers parked there,” said PI PereIra.
