Mixed reactions to automated parking system on M G Road

Mixed reactions to automated parking system on M G Road

Though BMP officials are for implementing the proposed system, they have no plans to provide an alternative space for the officegoers.
Deccan Herald

Bouquets and brickbats seem to be clogging the proposed automated parking system on M G Road. While, the officegoers whose workplaces are located on the road, dub the system as impractical and foresee an array of new problems, traders and shopowners feel the system holds a key to goldmine as it would pave way for potential customers.

The system, proposed by the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and Bangalore Traders’ Association, has been planned with an eye to increasing revenue for both groups (BMP and the Association) and to encourage the volume of potential customers.

According to the proposed system, both four-wheeler and two-wheeler can be parked on M G Road only for a period of two hours. The vehicle owner will have to renew the parking every two hours. By March 31, 20 autometers will be installed from Brigade Road junction to Anil Kumble circle. The second phase will begin from Cauvery Emporium to Mayo Hall.

Dubbed as impractical

When Deccan Herald interacted with a cross-section of people, we found that though, the shoppers find this an ideal system it is impossible for the officegoers to come out of their workplace once in every two hours and renew the parking. Philip Rozario, manager at Thomas Cook sees trouble when the new system is in place.
“I can’t afford to get out of the office every two hours and renew parking. The cost is too high and I can’t afford to spend half my salary on parking. An alternative parking space must be provided,” said Mr Rozario.

Mr Jossy Peter, a development officer with LIC asks, “Why allow parking on M G Road? The open space across the road at Manekshaw Parade grounds could be used for parking instead.” Mr Peter feels parking on M G Road is marring the beauty of the many heritage buildings along the road. He also thinks exorbitant costs coupled with inconvenience would render the proposed system infructous.

Mr T L Nagaraj, manager, L B Publishers who has been parking his car on M G Road for last 25 yeras, says the system is fraught with glitches. “It’s impossible for us to pay every two hours. We have vans that deliver books at the shop every day. An alternative must be provided,” said Mr Nagaraj.

Mr G Sundaresan, manager of G K Vale said that he cannot afford to pay thousands of rupees only for parking every month, but agrees that the system would increase the volume of customers in to his shop. However, there were many others, who said that the automated parking system will not affect them because their officers provided basement parking spaces or have bought spaces for parking.

More shops than offices

The traders see the automated parking system as a positive step towards increasing their revenue. The traders claim that there are more shops than offices on M G Road. They say that on an average there are about 134 four-wheeler and 250 two-wheeler parked on M G Road. Though the number of vehicles will not increase, the turnout will definitely go up. Mr Machender Pishe of P N Rao and also the president of Bangalore Traders’ Association contends that the Association has requested the Army to provide parking space for the officegoers on Manekshaw parade ground.

No land

“We have no land of our own to provide an alternative parking space on M G Road. The office goers will have to work something out with the Association. We don’t want a drop in our revenue,” said special Commissioner of BMP, Mr Subash Chandra. When Deccan Herald contacted Mr M A Saleem, DCP traffic (East) he said that he has only heard about the proposal but knew nothing about it. “I have no clue about the plan. If any vehicle is illegally parked on M G Road it will be towed away and a fine of Rs 100 will be levied,” said Mr Saleem.