Pune: Citizens are not happy with the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) parking policy, as they have to pay parking charges during day and night. On the other hand, city-based NGOs are positive about the policy. They have given the green signal to the policy and suggested some minor changes to it. They said awareness must be spread about the programme
among people.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Vijay Alhat (51), a newspaper vendor and a resident of Shivajinagar, said, “The ‘Pay and Park’ policy should not be implemented, as people will not pay if they have some work for a few minutes. The PMC should have provided space for parking to people for free instead of charging money.”
Students are also not happy with the policy. Arunav Kakoti, a student of the Wadia College and a resident of BT Kawade road, said, “Though PMPML bus service is available throughout the city, these buses don’t reach every nook and corner. Therefore, we have to use private vehicles. It is not a feasible option to levy parking charges to discourage private vehicles.”
Another student from Desai College and a resident of Mundhwa, Neha Kudal, said, “There should be a system such as a daily pass. I cannot afford to pay again and again for parking as half my money will be spent on it.” Sanket Sabajkar (22), an IT professional and a resident of Katraj, said, “Petrol prices are already high. We cannot afford to pay parking fees on a daily basis. Commuting on a bicycle is a better option.”
Sujit Patwardhan, a civic activist who works for better public transport, said, “We welcome the parking policy. Actually, it should have been implemented earlier. It will discourage people from using their vehicles due to heavy parking charges. People are saying that we don’t have a good public transport, hence, they are using private vehicles. However, people should think twice before using their vehicles. If people don’t have any choice except public transport, they will forcefully demand public transport improvement.”
Prashant Inamdar, Conveyor, Pedestrian First, welcomed the policy. However, he insisted that awareness about the policy must be spread in the city. He said, “The parking policy is needed for the city. It will help in a better traffic management and discipline. It will ease traffic congestions. It will stop double parking on road sides and pedestrians will walk easily on footpaths. I don’t know why people are opposing the parking policy if they buy a parking space at their place of residence. It is a regular practice not only in foreign countries but also in India.”
He said, “The PMC should create awareness of parking policy among people. The corporation should introduce charging fee in slabs and it should increase every year after taking review of the scheme. They should also lower the rates of parking where labour or low income group people are using space for parking and charge higher rates at affluent localities such as Bund Garden road, JM road, etc.”
Vivek Velankar, a civic activist, said, “Private vehicles have increased due to lack of public transport facility in the city. Corporation is responsible for increasing private vehicles in the city. How come the corporation has suddenly realised that vehicles are increasing. Corporation cannot make it mandatory for people to pay parking charges without making any alternate arrangement for parking.”
Jugal Rathi, Founder of Pravashi Manch, said, “The time has come to charge parking fee for private vehicles. Private vehicles have increased. But, corporation should have made awareness among the people before implementing it. They should have to give sufficient time to understand the policy. Corporation should have to take effort to convince people to support policy.”
