04 April,2016 06:55 AM IST | | Vedika Chaubey
Motorists had complained that the existing trucks dented their vehicles while towing; some took it for granted that their expensive wheels would not be towed
The Traffic Department had been facing a unique problem. Towing luxury and high-end cars and two-wheelers parked illegally had become a headache for it, as the existing tow trucks pose a problem of causing dents. Many erring motorists have complained of their costly vehicles being dented when towed. Now the traffic police are in the process of procuring advanced hydraulic cranes, which will pick up such vehicles without them getting scratched. At least 80 such cranes will be available within a month's time, 40 for four wheelers and 40 for two wheelers.
The advanced hydraulic cranes will pick up high-end vehicles without them getting scratched. Picture for representation
The Mumbai traffic police will float a tender for getting the advanced hydraulic cranes for towing the premium vehicles. Traffic officials claim they have been getting complaints from motorists that there is traffic congestion due to the non-towing of premium vehicles. "There are motorists who take it as an advantage and take it for granted that we will not tow their vehicles because of their high value and premium range. In the past there have been many complaints from motorists that their vehicles have been damaged due to the towing and we had to take actions against the crane operator," said a traffic official.
According to traffic officials, initially they will be getting 80 advanced hydraulic cranes, of which 40 will be for four wheeler premium vehicles and 40 would be for premium two wheelers. This would be the first-of-its-kind in the country when advanced cranes will be put in operation for towing premium vehicles. The cranes will be operated by private parties. Currently for normal towing vehicles, the Traffic Department pays R 200 per day to the crane operator.
Cop speak
Milind Bharambe, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), said, "We are floating the tender for advanced cranes which will be operated privately. They will make improvements in this sector and will be very helpful in solving traffic congestion."
The new cranes will be used within three months. There have been no details available on the cost of the cranes.
"This is the first of its kind attempt in the country in which advanced cranes will be available for towing premium vehicles," added Bharambe.
