A day after the Supreme Court ordered Delhi government to notify new parking laws in the capital at the earliest, authorities in Bengaluru said the long-pending parking policy for the city will be ready in another ten days.
On Monday, the apex court in its order had said, “Today the social fabric of neighbourhoods is being torn asunder because of fights over this most petty issue of parking of vehicles. Therefore, we feel there is a need to pass a detailed order on a mundane issue like parking because this may impact town planning. Proper parking policies will also lead to less pollution, less crime and a better and more dignified life which every citizen is entitled to under Article 21 of the Constitution of India."
The parking policy, aimed at clearing up roads for faster traffic movement in Bengaluru and make space for pedestrians, was supposed to come into effect soon after the Lok Sabha elections. However, it is stuck in procedural delays.
Senior IAS officers involved with policy, including the BBMP Commissioner BH Anil Kumar (formerly the Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development), told TNM that the law might come into effect in as early as a month.
The Management and Maintenance of Parking Rules, 2018 propose to make all forms of street parking in Bengaluru payable. However, officials remain tight-lipped about the specifics related to base parking fee and the specific areas that will be part of the first phase of the program.
“We will submit the draft within 7 to 10 days. Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development will decide whether to go ahead with it or modify the draft. The public will have a chance to give their opinion and raise objections once the government publishes it. Once notified, the new laws will be implemented,” V Ponnuraj, Commissioner of Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), told TNM.
Ramanna Reddy, Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development could not be reached for comment.
Apart from making street parking chargeable wherever there is a provision, the regulations in question also ban roadside parking in high-density mobility corridors. Even road permits for new vehicles will be issued or renewed only upon submission of proof of parking space. Parking plans for each area will be formulated per the Revised Master Plan, 2015, and will prioritise pedestrians, followed by public transport integration facilities, and finally, overnight parking for transport vehicles.
The parking plans will be prepared in a phased manner, with parking plans for all arterial roads, commercial areas and major roads with heavy traffic flows as determined by the Apex Committee that is responsible for managing parking in the city, headed by Chief Secretary of Karnataka.