Motorists want parking fee levied

Motorists want parking fee levied

Bosky Khanna. Bangalore
Finally, do I pay or not? This is the question most Bangaloreans are asking each other. The confusion on whether to pay a parking fee or not is finally over. From now onwards, motorists need not pay for the parking space utilised. But Bangaloreans are unhappy as they are willing to pay for the services.
The order signed by Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike's (BBMP) assistant revenue officer, G Jagadish, on December 29 for collecting parking fee has now been stayed by the High Court.
The court, on January 3, had withdrawn the parking order issued by Jagadish to the owner of Aishwarya Associates, G Subramanya, as many people protested this move. On January 13, the court ordered a stay on the parking fee withdrawal order and has now vacated the stay order.
This means that people do not have to pay. But commuters want parking fee to be levied. They say that they are willing to pay as it ensures the safety of their vehicle, but they do not want to pay on an hourly basis.
The BBMP had levied Rs2 for an hour for two wheelers and Rs10 for four wheelers on ten prime roads in the city. "It should be a one time collection and not by the hour as it pinches the pocket. I am willing to pay as it assures me of my vehicle's safety. The government should levy a nominal fee,'' said Vinod KG, a commuter.
"A parking fee indicates legal parking spaces. It is also a source of revenue to those depending on it for a livelihood. It is also a larger source of revenue to the corporation,'' said SN Shekhar, a commuter.
According to Satish BV, private authorities, as in malls and other complexes, should provide parking spaces. In this manner, commuters will not have to park on roads. Building owners should make optimum use of the space available in the premises for parking, he voiced.
N Shivakumar, a cab driver, says that parking fee of Rs10 for an hour is too much.
According to Venkatesh, in a regularised parking area, personnal can help in parking and taking out the car.
This makes paid parking better, but the amount should be reduced and regularised, he says.DON'T PAY TO PARK: Motorists in the city need not pay for parking vehicles at designated parking lots