The Indian Express 05.09.2013
BMC plans to remove parking lots near schools, colleges
to remove parking lots that are located within 100 m of schools and
colleges to reduce traffic congestion in these areas.
“We often hear complaints of traffic congestion near schools. As
soon as the policy is approved, we will identify the schools that face
heavy traffic problems and close the parking spaces there,” additional
municipal commissioner SVR Srinivas, in-charge of the traffic
department, said Wednesday.
As per the policy, the BMC will charge motorists based on their
vehicle category — private, public or intermittent public transport
(taxis and autorickshaws). Unlike the current system that categorises
parking lots into A (island city), B (western suburbs) and C (eastern
suburbs), the corporation will now charge for parking lots based on the
revenue it will earn. If a lot generates above Rs 10,000 per month, it
will be listed under category A. Category B lots are those that yield Rs
5,000- Rs 10,000 per month and lots earning less Rs 5,000 a month come
under the C category.
“On-street parking for residents of old buildings in the island
city will be charged much lesser — between Rs 500 and Rs 600 per month.
Besides, only slipping lanes on a road outside the society will have
reserved slots for parking. Ideally, a family will be given single pass
but we are working on the policy to ensure smooth implementation later,”
Srinivas said.
He added that more charges will be recovered from truck owners
than bus operators, while on-duty taxis will be charged lesser in
comparison to private cars. Charges will also differ for peak and
non-peak hours, with a lesser amount levied on holidays. “The policy is
aimed at tackling traffic issues and encouraging the use of public
transport,” Srinivas said.
