SHILLONG, July 24: In a bid to ease chronic traffic congestion, the Shillong Traffic Police has launched a special enforcement drive titled “Operation Free Flow” across the city.
Unregulated parking has long been a major contributor to the city’s traffic woes. Vehicles parked haphazardly along narrow roads and busy commercial stretches routinely obstruct carriageways, create bottlenecks and inconvenience other road users.
The problem is particularly acute in congested areas where limited road width and a sharp rise in private vehicles leave little room for smooth movement.
Citizens have repeatedly pointed out that the lack of adequate designated parking forces motorists to leave cars and two-wheelers on the roadside, slowing down traffic and sometimes blocking emergency vehicles.
According to a press release issued by East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem on Friday, the drive aims to curb such indiscriminate parking.
To implement it effectively, the police have constituted a dedicated Shillong Traffic Enforcement Team (STET). The team will conduct intensive checks against vehicles parked in no-parking zones or in a manner that blocks the free flow of traffic.
The enforcement will be strict and impartial, with exceptions only for genuine emergencies or medical exigencies.
SP Syiem said the objective is not merely to penalise violators but also to promote responsible parking behaviour, improve traffic discipline and ensure safer, more efficient roads for all.
Appealing for public cooperation, the Shillong Traffic Police urged citizens to follow traffic rules, park responsibly and encourage others to do the same, stressing that disciplined road use is essential to reducing congestion and restoring free flow of traffic in the city.
