Fines pile up in Kandivali as traffic crackdown hits transporters

Local traders fear the crackdown may have long-term economic consequences, even if the enforcement drive is temporary. Representation Pic/Ashish Raje

A strict enforcement drive by the Mumbai Traffic Police against transport vehicles parked outside shops in north Mumbai, especially Kandivali, has triggered anger among drivers, vehicle owners, and local traders. Transport operators allege officials from the Kandivali Traffic Division have been issuing online fines of Rs 500 and Rs 1500 for vehicles parked outside shops during the loading and unloading of goods multiple times a day.

The repeated fines have now led to an unexpected ripple effect: transport drivers have increased their delivery charges, passing the burden on to shopkeepers and ultimately customers, according to Kandivli residents. Drivers who earlier charged around Rs 200 to Rs 300 for transporting goods locally are now reportedly demanding Rs 500 to Rs 800 per trip. Local traders fear the crackdown may have long-term economic consequences, even if the enforcement drive is temporary.

Stricter action

According to Kandivli traffic police sources, stricter action is being planned. This will include the removal of encroachment and filing FIRs. The traffic police have the authority to issue fines not just two or three times a day, but even every hour if violations continue. If people fail to follow the rules in time, the action will continue.

‘Fined twice in day'
Shahbaz Khan,who runs a shop at Kandivli's Hindustan Naka

‘My brother Sohail was fined twice on the same day. Within three days, we received three fines of Rs 1500 each. One was at the time when everyone was breaking their fast. The area was not officially declared a no-parking zone. If a person cannot park a vehicle in front of his own shop, then where should he park?'

‘Our livelihood is at stake'
Mufid Khan, Tempo driver

‘Earlier, we managed to save Rs 500 to Rs 1000 a day after expenses. But if we are fined Rs 3000 daily, how can we run our families and maintain our vehicles? If we don't charge more, how will wepay the fines?'

Truck owner's frustration
Ashraf Abdul Hamid Khan, who holds an all-India truck permit

‘My brother was fined while goods were being loaded at his shop in our shop. If trucks cannot be stationed outside shops for this purpose, the authorities should tell us clearly where to park'

‘How will we survive'
Taslim Khan, Tempo owner-driver

‘I was fined '3000 in two days. An old penalty, for an auto-rickshaw, was mistakenly issued against my tempo. If fines keep coming like this, how will we survive?'