Trucks parked along the service lane of Tiruchi-Chennai National Highway near Senthaeerpuram on Friday.
| Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY
Haphazard parking and unrestricted movement of heavy vehicles on the service lane of the Tiruchi–Chennai National Highway near Senthaneerpuram are causing frequent traffic snarls, particularly during peak hours.The service lane is widely used by vehicles travelling to Sangiliyandapuram and Senthaneerpuram. However, illegal parking frequently disrupts traffic flow. With residential neighbourhoods and a school located nearby, the stretch witnesses heavy vehicular movement throughout the day. However, indiscriminate parking frequently disrupts traffic flow.Although the movement of heavy vehicles carrying commercial consignments, as well as trucks transporting vegetables and fruits, is restricted within the city limits between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., barring a permitted off-peak window from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. However, heavy vehicles continue to enter the city round the clock with the authorities turning a blind eye to the erratic parking of trucks on service roads and on many congested roads.Presence of HTVsHeavy transport vehicles (HTVs) such as trucks, container lorries, and other heavy vehicles often occupy a significant portion of the service lane, reducing the available road space and creating bottlenecks. The situation is aggravated by four-wheelers being parked indiscriminately along the roadside, particularly in front of repair shops and commercial establishments, forcing vehicles to manoeuvre through narrow gaps.Residents said school buses, office-goers, and even emergency vehicles often get caught in traffic congestion on the road. “The road becomes narrow because of parked vehicles, and traffic snarls are common, putting the safety of commuters at risk. The absence of strict enforcement against illegal parking has worsened the problem,” said John Britto, a resident of Sangiliyandapuram.Road safety activist N. Saravanan said: “Authorities should impose restrictions on heavy vehicle movement during peak hours, remove illegally parked vehicles and improve traffic monitoring on the service lane.” He called for the installation of warning signs and the deployment of traffic personnel to ensure smoother vehicular movement.When contacted, a senior traffic official said the entry and movement of heavy vehicles on the stretch would be monitored and steps would be taken to address the issue. The police would be deployed to regulate traffic and ease congestion. Published - June 19, 2026 06:34 pm IST
