Srinagar, May 13: The commuters travelling from Jehangir Chowk to Dalgate in the City have accused the traffic department of turning blind eye towards the traffic mess caused by parking of roaming stray taxis particularly Tata Sumos at various places on the stretch.
 “Several roaming Sumo vehicles are seen parked at the already identified bottle necks including Jehangir Chowk, Budshah Chowk, behind KMD Bus Stand, M A Road, Poloview and Dalgate,” the commuters said.
 “The Sumos bound for Islamabad (Anantnag) and Pulwama which aren’t part of any designated Sumo stands in the City, wait for passengers at these places thereby causing frequent traffic jams on the stretch,” the commuters said adding that they have to face huge inconvenience due to the traffic mess, which has become order of the day.
 The Sumo drivers also stop the vehicles frequently on the stretch after seeing the passengers.
 “I fail to understand as to why the traffic policemen allow the Sumos to get parked on this vital stretch as they don’t allow other cars to stop on this road,” a commuter said adding the traffic towing vans are seen lifting but only the cars parked on the stretch, everyday.
 Another commuter accused the traffic policemen of being hand in glove with the Sumo drivers to park vehicles. “If they don’t allow cars to be parked on the stretch, how come they are mute spectators to the persistent traffic violation by the Sumo drivers,” the commuters said.
 When contacted, Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Haseeb-ur-Rehman said the Sumos were roaming as there was very less space in the existing Sumo stands in the City. “However, from next month, these roaming Sumos would be stopped at City entry points and won’t be allowed to come inside it. They will board passengers from these points only.”
 The commuters have appealed Deputy Inspector General of Police, Traffic, Shafqat Watali to personally look into the matter.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 13 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 13 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 IST