The Times of India 16.01.2010
45 new parking lots identified, corporation on lookout for contractors
CHENNAI: Unhappy with the service of the Tamil Nadu Ex-Servicemen Corporation (TEXCO) in connection with the collection of parking fee, the city corporation is in the process of identifying new contractors. By the time the contract with TEXCO winds up on January 31, new contractors will have been identified by the local body, informed sources say.
Presently, TEXCO collects the fee prescribed by the local body at 97 parking lots in the city. "After a wide survey undertaken recently by zonal officials focusing on the need to streamline the parking system, at least 45 more parking lots were identified in the ten zones. The final list includes 142 lots in the city," a senior official told TOI.
The corporation's decision to move to private contractors was taken, following com plaints from various quarters that TEXCO parking attendants, related to ex-servicemen, were reportedly charging more than the stipulated amount from four-wheelers. The civic agency, entitled to receive 70% of the parking fee collection, was also not receiving dues on time.
A recent survey by a consultant engaged by the corporation estimates that a sum of Rs 3.71 crore can be collected yearly from the new list of parking lots, much higher than TEXCO's annual collection of Rs 2.01 crore. Civic body officials had projected collection of Rs 6.75 crore, sources say.
Significantly, a set of guidelines has been laid down for new contractors. There will be implementation of 33.1% reservation for women among staff collecting parking fee. Instead of tokens, printed receipts will be provided. The parking fee slip will be produced from a hand-held device. In case of vehicle theft from the parking lot or missing parts, the licencee will be held responsible. The licencee will mark the boundry of the parking lot and ensure that the area is not encroached on. At each parking lot, a notice board will display the parking tariff. The notice board will adhere to the Indian Road Congress stipulations and display a website address for complaints as well as the telephone number of the corporation and the licensee.
The daily parking fee now is Rs 20 for four-wheelers and tourist cars and Rs 50 for lorries; for 12 hours, it is Rs 15 for tempo vans, private buses and tractors/trailers. The corporation will not collect parking fee from two-wheelers and autorickshaws.
