The Indian Express            05.09.2013

BMC plans to remove parking lots near schools, colleges

"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.