The Indian Express               14.12.2013

Improvements panel asks BMC to slash parking rates

The civic improvements committee has asked the BMC to modify the parking rates proposed in the new parking policy by the civic body. The BMC had proposed to increase the cost of parking by a whopping 300 per cent in popular areas in the city.

"The parking policy is aimed at reducing traffic woes by bringing in some discipline and also encouraging people to make use of public transport. But we have asked the corporation to reduce parking rates," said improvements committee chairman and BJP corporator Ram Barot.

In a meeting Wednesday, the group leaders approved the policy but said that they would oppose it if their suggestions were not incorporated. "The policy lacks the required mechanism. We have said only residents will get a permit to park on the streets in front of their housing societies but what if someone parks their car at night? How will the corporation look into this matter?" asked corporator Rais Shaikh of Samajwadi Party.

Meanwhile, Mayor Sunil Prabhu denied having received any requests for a modification in the policy. "After a discussion with the group leader, the policy has been sent to the improvements committee again. The parking rates will remain the same. A fresh policy will be brought after the suggestions are incorporated," said Prabhu.

Around two weeks ago, the civic improvements committee had rejected the parking policy citing the proposed increase in fares as too high for the common man. The committee referred the proposal back to the BMC and asked the administration to reduce the rates. However, citing space constraints and traffic problems, the BMC said reducing the fares would not be an option.