Pune traffic police lack towing vehicles to enforce parking rules

Pune Traffic Police Face Challenges with Illegal Parking

Pune: City traffic police are struggling to enforce action against illegally parked vehicles. This issue arises from the lack of towing vehicles after the towing contract expired in November 2025. The contract has not been renewed, leaving the department without a key tool to clear no-parking zones and reduce traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and major public events.

Impact of Expired Towing Contract

After the contract ended in November, the renewal process began. However, the code of conduct for civic elections came into effect, leaving the department without towing vehicles.

Increased Traffic Issues Due to VIP Movements

The situation has worsened recently due to ongoing VIP movements for election campaigning. Frequent visits by ministers and senior political leaders have caused traffic diversions and the need for quick road clearance.

Challenges for Traffic Police

Without towing vehicles, traffic police often feel helpless when they find vehicles and two-wheelers parked illegally on key routes. This narrows carriageways and disrupts traffic flow.

Official Statement from Deputy Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Himmat Jadhav confirmed the issue: “We are facing a serious issue as the towing vehicle contract ended in November 2025 and has not been renewed yet. At present, we do not have towing vehicles to remove illegally parked cars and two-wheelers. This becomes a major challenge, especially during VIP movements that are currently happening across the city due to the PMC elections.”

Effects of Illegal Parking on Traffic

Jadhav explained that illegal parking worsens traffic congestion during peak hours. “During morning and evening rush hours, many vehicles are parked in no-parking zones, on main roads, and at junctions, which causes bottlenecks and traffic jams. Normally, towing helps us to take immediate action and clear the road, but in the absence of towing vehicles, we can only issue challans or request vehicle owners to remove their vehicles, which is not always effective,” he said. He added that managing traffic during VIP convoys without towing support increases pressure on manpower and delays normal traffic movement.

Citizen Reactions

Citizens are also affected by this situation. Anil Kumbhar, a daily commuter on a busy road, said illegal parking has made city travel frustrating. “Every day, we see cars and two-wheelers parked in no-parking zones, especially near busy chowks and markets. Traffic police try their best, but without towing vehicles, nothing changes. We end up getting stuck in traffic for long periods, and during VIP movements, the situation becomes even worse,” he said.