GUJRANWALA, Aug 22: Citizens have demanded abolition of illegal parking stands on both sides of GT Road here to ensure smooth traffic flow and an end to their humiliation by contractors.

These parking lots are established by influential people on GT Road passing through the heart of the city. At least three such stands have been established in front of much-congested Sialkoti and Aimanabadi gates without any lawful authority.

The contractors of these parking stands are fleecing locals by charging Rs20 to Rs30 per vehicle and issuing forged receipts. If any vehicle owner protests overcharging, he is humiliated and even manhandled by the contractors.

Some illegal motorcycle stands have also been established on both sides of the road and contractors are extorting money with full immunity while the traffic police have failed to launch a crackdown against them.

When contacted, the city district government’s spokesman said an inquiry was being held to ascertain the status of these parking lots.