Loadmen, van drivers seek longer entry hours in Masi Streets

Madurai: Members of Madurai District Loadman, Van, Auto and Unorganised Workers Association, affiliated to AITUC, organised a peaceful protest on Friday demanding that authorities revise vehicle entry timing restrictions into the congested Masi Street commercial zone. They sought extension of the current 12 noon – 5pm window to 11am – 6pm, citing operational hardships and rising penalties.
Association district president Veera Kumar said penalties for even minor time violations had significantly increased in the past six months, affecting their livelihood. “More than 1,000 vans and autos operate in the Masi Street area, supporting over 2,000 families. We’ve seen over 10,000 penalties imposed recently, sometimes for crossing the time limit by just 10 minutes,” he said.
He claimed that existing traffic management failed to address root causes such as double parking. “Before we even enter, cars and two-wheelers are already parked in the lanes, and we are forced to unload goods from the second line, inviting fines. Authorities must at least reserve a dedicated lane for unloading,” he said. The protesters later submitted a petition to district collector M S Sangeetha urging intervention.
A senior traffic police official said that many vehicles violate load limits and pose safety risks. “Many vans carry goods dangerously and ignore traffic rules. The current time restriction is meant to manage congestion, especially during temple hours. Extending it would worsen the situation,” he said, adding that enforcement will continue strictly to ensure pedestrian and traffic safety in the area.