Seized vehicles cluttering police stations: Chamber

T'puram: Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry raised a complaint over long-pending police custody vehicles, including accident-damaged and seized vehicles, being kept in the open in front of several police stations, particularly in the state capital.A representation given by the chamber to chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out that many of these vehicles, including those fit only for scrapping, remained parked in prominent public areas for extended periods, creating what was described as a negative visual impact and affecting the overall beautification of the city. Thiruvananthapuram, being the state capital and a major tourism hub, witnessed significant domestic and international tourist footfall. The continued presence of such vehicles, especially near key locations, was said to undermine the image of the city. The complaint also highlighted safety and public health concerns arising from the prolonged open storage of these vehicles. Unattended vehicles were said to become breeding grounds for insects and rodents and could even shelter snakes, posing risks to pedestrians, nearby residents and visitors. In several areas, vehicles were reportedly parked along footpaths and encroached upon public roads, leading to inconvenience and safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Specific instances were cited near Museum police station and along RKV Lane behind Nishagandhi. The representation urged govt to invoke Sections 55 and 56 of Kerala Police Act to remove the vehicles and shift them to designated govt land.