Kannur: In a bid to end unauthorised parking and restore footpath access, ‘No Parking’ boards have been installed at key points along the busy Eripuram–Pazhayangadi stretch of the state highway. The initiative, launched on Wednesday, is a joint effort by the Ezhome panchayat, Pazhayangadi police, and local traders. The stretch has long been plagued by severe traffic congestion, primarily due to vehicles parked illegally on footpaths from morning to evening. This has forced pedestrians—including school and college students—to walk on the road, putting their safety at risk.

The installation of ‘No Parking’ signs marks the first phase of a broader traffic reform plan aimed at decongesting the Eripuram–Pazhayangadi bridge route through public participation, said Ezhome panchayat president P Govindan and Sub-Inspector K Suhail. On Thursday, those found parking illegally will face fines, the police warned. Additionally, the Pazhayangadi police have also directed the Ezhome panchayat to act against unauthorised street vendors encroaching on pedestrian walkways. 

MLA to convene meeting
MLA M Vijin announced that a meeting will soon be held to address Pazhayangadi’s traffic woes. Participants will include autorickshaw and taxi drivers, voluntary organisations, local traders, people’s representatives, and media personnel. He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to make Pazhayangadi’s roads safer and more accessible by preventing footpath encroachments and easing congestion.