Thane cops to sue traffic offenders

In a first, to curb illegal parking in Thane and adjoining areas, the Thane traffic police department have decided to send fine receipts to motorists at their registered address based on the vehicle's registration number, and in case the offender fails to pay up within seven days, the department will file a suit against such offenders in court.

The menace of illegal parking is rampant on important stretches near Mulund toll naka on the Eastern Urban Road and near LBS Marg. Moreover, heavy vehicles parked on Ghodbunder Road are affecting traffic movement and increasing the chances of accidents.

The department has also received several complaints of illegal parking in the narrow interior lanes of Thane and adjoining areas of Kalyan, Dombivli and Ambarnath.

The traffic department divisions have been instructed to send the fine receipts via speed post.

"We will also click pictures of vehicles breaching traffic rules like exceeding the zebra crossing when the signal is red," said a senior officer from the traffic police department.

Amit Kale, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thane traffic police department, said, "We will be filing a suit in court if the offender fails to pay the fine within seven days of accepting the fine receipt. We have been noticing a rise in cases of illegal parking and so decided to take the strictest action against such offenders. We will also be maintaining a record of repeat offenders."