The Times of India               27.07.2013

Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation warns malls, multiplexes against collecting parking fees

HUBLI: Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has made it clear that there is no provision in the Karnataka Municipal Corporations (KMC) Act to collect parking fees from people who park their vehicles in the premises of commercial establishments like malls and multiplexes and other shops.

If anyone collects parking fees from people, they will be served with notice and will face legal action, said an HDMC press release.

The issue was raised in social networking sites by Dr M C Sindhur, a social activist a few days ago against illegal collection of parking fees in malls and multiplexes in city. The matter was discussed in the media too.

Speaking to TOI, Sindhur said that people park their vehicles in mall premises to buy goods but malls in turn are exploiting people by charging parking fees.

Providing parking facility to visitors is itself mandatory for the commercial establishments and they are not supposed to collect parking fees, he added.

The HDMC town planning deputy director has served notice to some malls in the city for collecting parking fees from visitors.