NONGPOH: Truck owners and drivers under the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) met officials of the Ri-Bhoi district administration on Monday to raise concerns over difficulties faced following the order prohibiting trucks from stopping or parking along roadsides.
A delegation of the association met Additional Deputy Commissioner Balakyntiew Ranee and the Superintendent of Police and urged the authorities to establish designated parking and resting areas for commercial trucks and their drivers.
MCTODA chairman Mosklandar Marngar said the roadside parking restriction may help keep roads clear and improve traffic flow, but it has also created difficulties for truck drivers as adequate designated resting facilities are not available.
He said drivers often face problems when they need to take a break, have meals or stop their vehicles when they develop mechanical problems, as they fear action from the authorities for stopping along the roadside.
Marngar pointed out that Assam has designated parking and resting areas for trucks, while Meghalaya does not yet have similar facilities.
He urged the government to take immediate steps to address the issue and provide suitable arrangements for commercial vehicles and their drivers.
According to MCTODA, the Additional Deputy Commissioner assured the delegation that the matter would be taken up seriously. The administration is also expected to constitute a special committee in the coming days to examine the issue and work towards a solution.
The association said proper truck parking and resting facilities would help balance the need for safer, less congested roads with the basic requirements of long-distance truck drivers.