Madurai : Encroachments by shops along busy roads, including South Veli and South Marrett Street, are forcing pedestrians onto the carriageway and contributing to traffic congestion, residents said.
Because of the lack of space on the footpath, d Sunil, a motorist, said he had to suddenly swerve to avoid a child who stepped onto the road. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Madurai | Silver Rate in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai | Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Petrol Price in Madurai | Diesel Price in Madurai | CNG Price in Madurai | LPG Price in Madurai Stay updated with the latest Madurai news.
“Incidents like these happen all the time, which is a main factor for traffic on South Veli street,” he said. “Elderly people find it especially difficult as they keep having to step off the footpath to avoid the encroachments and then step back on,” said M Latha, a resident of Madurai who was shopping with her parents. She said the encroachments also made it difficult for customers to reach the shops. A corporation town planning department official said inspections were being conducted in the area. “We have instructed the shop owners to remove the encroachments or they will attract fines,” he said.
Shops have occupied large portions of the footpaths to display goods and put up signboards and advertisements, leaving little space for pedestrians. Vehicles are also being parked along the road, forcing motorists to manoeuvre around them and slowing traffic. Download the TOI App.