Mangaluru: A resident of Surathkal on Friday urged the city police to intensify patrolling near the Surathkal lighthouse after 8 p.m. for the safety of those visiting the Surathkal beach.

During the weekly phone-in programme at the office of Police Commissioner on Friday, the caller said that police visit the beach three times between 6 p.m and 8 p.m. as a part of patrolling.

Police are not seen after 8 p.m. when the area turns dark in absence of street lights. He asked police to visit the beach twice after 8 p.m. and send away tourists sitting near the lighthouse and at the beach. He also asked police to arrange street lights in the area.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffie) M. Sanjeev Patil said that action will shortly be taken to intensify patrolling at the beach. The Mangaluru City Corporation will be asked to install street lights in the area, he said.

An autorickshaw driver from Bajpe said police should permit autorickshaw drivers to wait for 20 minutes at the parking area of the Mangaluru International Airport for picking up passengers.

The present time of seven minutes was insufficient, he said. Instead of issuing receipt for the fine collected for exceeding the waiting time, the driver alleged that the persons manning the parking area were issuing receipts showing the fine as donation for a charity.

While denying to alter the waiting time, Mr. Patil said police will act against the operator if a complaint is filed about fake penalty receipts.

When an elderly citizen sought deployment of police to facilitate crossing of roads at important junctions, Mr. Patil asked the caller to encourage youngsters to join as traffic wardens and work twice a week with police in regulating traffic movement and building civic sense among motorists.