You may have to think twice before parking in certain areas of the city if a pay-and-park proposal mooted by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is implemented. The system will not only be hi-tech, but may also pinch the pockets of motorists. The tender for the project will open on February 6.
The civic body proposes to divide parking areas into three categories: premium, normal and street. Areas in the premium segment include Brigade Road, M.G. Road, Commercial Street and Lalbagh Road. Parking a two-wheeler in any of these streets could cost no less than Rs. 15 per hour while four-wheeler users will have to cough up Rs. 30.
Digitisation planned
The BBMP has devised a plan to get rid of middlemen through digitisation. BBMP Commissioner M. Lakshminarayan said, “A centralised camera control system will be used to monitor parking lots. Also, the payment system will be digitised.”
Justifying the parking rates, the Commissioner said that it is aimed at encouraging people to use public transport. Asked about the impact on those who work in establishments without parking facilities, he said companies would be asked to provide parking space. If this is not possible, a monthly pass (for parking) system could be introduced, he said.
Admitting that a lot of existing pay-and-park services are unauthorised, he said, “We will ensure that such unauthorised collection of parking fee is stalled. The proposal to digitise the system may be implemented in three months.”
Objections raised
Members of the Karnataka Pay and Park Contractors Association (KPPCA) have objected to the proposal. A.S. Nagaraju, working president of the association, on Saturday said, “It is impossible for small contractors to bid for such a huge amount and the proposal will render many people unemployed. The price hike will affect commuters whose offices do not offer parking space, as they will have to pay approximately Rs. 200 every day.”
Mayor N. Shanthakumari said a council meeting will be held by January-end in which the concerns of small-scale contractors will be addressed.
