Parking woes

Parking woes
Thursday December 27 2007 08:20 IST

Express News Service


BANGALORE: Following complaints of harassment of motorists at the hands of parking lot operators, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had abolished paid parking in the city two years ago.

But the harassment continues. In one such case, complaints of harassment by an illegal parking lot operator near SP Road have fallen on deaf Police ears.

About 15,000 square feet of Palike land behind Dasappa Hospital is used for parking cars of traders of SP road and also by the visitors. However, one Dhanamma, in association with her son, had been demanding money from the motorists for parking.

“She demands Rs 20-30 per hour while the city has no paid parking system. If one doesn’t pay, her associates abuse the motorists,” said a trader from the area.

There had even been cases of personal attack. Raju, a shopkeeper, said: “My shop was attacked by Dhanamma’s men. I lodged a complaint with Halsurgate Police and they did nothing about it. Instead, I am made to run from pillar to post.”

It may be remembered that Palike had appealed to the people to lodge complaints with Police if unscrupulous elements demanded parking fees. On Dec 26, eight traders from SP Road have lodged the complaint but the illegal collection continues.