The entire stretch in Vashi’s Sector 19-D has second-hand cars parked outside the dealers’ showrooms; residents claim that their personal vehicles parked in the same area are towed away by cops
While vehicles parked in a no-parking zone are not an uncommon sight in the city, at Palm Beach Road in Sector 19-D, Vashi nearly the entire stretch has been taken over by car dealers.
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One can observe second-hand vehicles parked 24/7 outside these dealers’ showrooms. In many cases, these cars are also parked on the footpath, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk.
In many places, second-hand cars are parked on the footpath as well, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk
Car dealers claim that parking is allowed in the vicinity of their shops. “Parking is allowed in this area, except for double parking. We park our cars in a single line, and other dealers do the same,” said a second-hand car dealer.
Towed away
Other people who frequently visit the Palm Beach stretch, however, share a different experience. “I once parked my two-wheeler on the same place, right next to one of the second-hand cars. When I came back, my bike was missing.
I went to the regional transport office and had to pay a fine to get it back,” said Harish Sawant, a resident of Vashi. Traffic department officials also confirmed that parking on the Palm Beach road stretch is not allowed for any vehicle.
According to officials, lack of personnel has made it difficult for them to act against offenders, especially now, as many officers are posted on special duty for the Ganesh festival.
A resident, however, claimed that car dealers and traffic officials are working hand-in-glove and therefore, the vehicles owned by the dealers are never towed even though other vehicles are.