Sat Jul 26 11:36:44 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Private bus operators in Kozhikode district, India, are blaming merchants for encouraging dangerous wayside parking on the Kozhikode-Kuttiyadi road, which they say contributes to traffic congestion and accidents. They claim their safety concerns are being ignored and are calling for the relocation of auto bays, taxi stands, and action against private auditorium owners allowing roadside parking. They also request a study into the reasons behind speeding by bus drivers, suggesting it’s linked to parking rule enforcement and unrealistic time schedules. Merchant organizations deny the allegations, saying shop owners have arranged parking and traders shouldn’t be blamed for shoppers’ parking habits. Police have promised to address the concerns and take action to decongest accident-prone areas.
**News Article:**
**Traffic Tensions Flare: Bus Operators and Merchants Clash Over Parking in Kozhikode**
**Kozhikode, July 26, 2025** – A heated dispute has erupted in Kozhikode district between private bus operators and local merchants, with accusations flying over the cause of persistent traffic congestion and a rising number of accidents on the Kozhikode-Kuttiyadi road.
Private bus operators allege that merchants are contributing to the problem by encouraging dangerous roadside parking, creating bottlenecks that force drivers to take risks and violate speed limits. They claim that their repeated safety concerns have been ignored by authorities.
“The merchant association members are now protesting against us, blaming us for the accidents,” said a bus driver from Kuttiyadi. “They need to introspect their role in creating these bottlenecks through negligence.”
The bus operators’ association is demanding the relocation of auto bays and taxi stands along accident-prone routes and calling for stricter enforcement against private auditorium owners who allow roadside parking. They are also requesting a scientific study to examine the factors contributing to speeding among bus drivers, suggesting that inadequate parking enforcement and unrealistic time schedules play a significant role.
However, merchant organizations are pushing back against these accusations. Leaders claim that many shop owners have already arranged parking and should not be held responsible for the parking habits of shoppers. “We are not to blame for the reckless parking of unknown shoppers,” stated one merchant leader.
In response to the growing tensions, police officials have met with the private bus operators and pledged to address their concerns. “We will prioritize addressing the raised concerns,” said a police officer involved in the discussion. “Field-level action will be taken to decongest accident-prone areas and bus stand premises.”
The situation remains tense as both sides dig in their heels. Whether the promised police action will be enough to resolve the dispute and improve traffic safety in the area remains to be seen.
First Piper 