The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cracked down on fake contractors who charge people for parking in free parking lots. There are 32 parking lots in the city where parking is free, but in many places, local goons have been found charging people. The BMC has formed cells to inspect such premises and has already filed police complaints against the offenders.
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The BMC runs about 90 street parking lots in the city apart from 91 multi-level parking lots that are in the offing. The street parking lots are either maintained by various BMC wards through contractors or are free. The contractors maintain these lots for two years based on the BMC’s terms and conditions. Parking charges are determined by the corporation and since last year, are being governed by its new parking policy.
The BMC also has 32 free parking lots, where during a surprise visit, senior municipal officers found “contractors” running the lots. Not only were they charging for free parking, but the rates were also found to be higher than the stipulated BMC rates. The BMC has designated rates for two-wheelers and four-wheelers on a per-hour or per-day basis.
Of the 32 lots inspected, officers found fleecing in at least four, and the BMC is in process of filing police complaints against the contractors. Three of these are is on Free Press Journal Marg, Mumbai Samachar Marg and Mahakavi Bhushan Marg in the ‘A’ ward, while the fourth one is between the Police and Hindu Gymkhanas on Marine Drive.
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Additional Municipal Commissioner Vijay Singhal has ordered the creation of three inspection squads to check fleecing in free parking lots. The squads will file police complaints whenever such activity is detected. Besides this, the BMC has directed its ward staffers to put up large boards saying these parking lots as free.
The BMC is also considering the use of space in housing societies for public parking during fixed hours. It has appointed a consultant to check its feasibility.