The increasing number of nomads selling various products at busy intersections on the Kozhikode bypass is proving to be a headache for motorists. Those who try to lure road users ignore even the police to flourish in this business.
Taxi drivers say agents are suspected to be behind such vendors at busy Malaparamba and Thondaiyad junctions. Taxi drivers said their unrestricted movement was a dangerous practice and should be stopped.
“Traffic police officials seem reluctant to act against them. In the absence of restrictions, more such illegal vendors may become active at other busy places,” said Valiyal Udayakumar, a taxi driver from Koyilandy. The sudden entry of such vendors, including women and children, distracts the drivers, let alone their lives, he said.
It is also learned that there is a well organized shift system among the nomadic vendors. In Malaparamba alone, more than 10 people take it in turns to meet daily targets allegedly set by product suppliers.
When contacted, a senior police officer said that police cannot act independently against street traders without proper direction from higher authorities. “We are ready to intervene if the district administration and local self-government bodies finalize a proper action plan. In addition, the Social Justice Department may take steps to address rehabilitation and livelihood issues.