http://oheraldo.in/node/9686
Traffic van may soon scoop on parking violators in Margao BY HERALD REPORTER MARGAO, FEB 9 - Two-wheeler owners, beware. You may soon find the return of the traffic police van on the city streets here, towing away two-wheelers parked haphazardly and in no parking-zones. For, if one goes by the instructions of Urban Development Minister, Joaquim Alemao, the Margao Municipal Chief Officer, Melvyn Vaz will have to issue an order engaging 4-5 workers for deployment on the towing vehicle. Alemao's instructions came on Wednesday when Deputy Superintendent of Police, Margao Tony Fernandes made a plea to the Minister to use his good offices and convince the Margao Civic body to provide the services of the towing van. The DySP contended that the not only the Civic body was earning revenue of Rs 60 per vehicle towed, but the exercise had maintained some sort of control against haphazard parking. Convinced by the explanation, Alemao immediately directed the Chief Officer to issue an order and recruit 4-5 workers. It, however, remains to be seen whether the Chief Officer's order will evoke support from the City Fathers and the Civic employees given past decision to revoke orders engaging daily wage workers. In fact, strange it may seem that it's six month now since the traffic van has stopped plying on the city roads for want of workers to lift the two-wheelers. This despite the fact that the Margao Civic body had earned around Rs 18 lakh by way of towing charges. And, if MMC officials are to be believed, the traffic van can generate some revenue after deducting the cost of workers, driver and fuel. -- Peace be with you! Gabe Menezes. London, England
