The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently rolled out its new pay-and-park policy after the state government lifted the stay on it last month. The highlights of the new policy for city motorists include hourly charges, monthly pass (a day as well as night pass) and discounted rates at tourists spots among others. However, the civic body has faced stiff opposition from residents of Churchgate, Fort and Colaba — where a pilot project has already been implemented. The civic body has identified more than 300 parking sites; while some of them are already operational, the authority is yet to take over parking lots from private developers. Although the objective of the pay-and-park policy is to increase discipline on roads, not all motorists are willing to pay the amount decided by the BMC for parking. DNA spoke with citizens to voice their opinions on the issue.
Residents' speak:
There are no proper guidelines regarding the policy in place. People are not even aware of the different rates that apply at different times during the day and that pay-and-park itself is optional for residents. Additionally, different areas in Colaba face different problems. We have the Taj Mahal Hotel, the Radio Club and a number of tourists visiting everyday. These people double-park outside our buildings. So, where do the residents park then? Also, nobody is talking about two-wheelers and the congestion they create, the whole debate only revolves around four-wheelers. I don't understand the whole point of the policy. Was it passed to relieve citizens of vehicular congestion or is this just another stint to earn revenue?
— Ajay Multani, resident of Colaba
I have been driving for quite some time and I find the road management chaotic. I am in favour of this action as it not only assigns space but also plays a vital role in authorisation of parking spaces. Many developed countries use pay-and-park system for better traffic and road management. I wholeheartedly support the move provided the rates go easy on our pockets. Revised rates and realistic implementation can help.
— Shruti Jajoo, Resident of Churchgate
The consensus of NGOs and locals over the parking policy for residential areas is solid. However, not everyone can afford the proposed rates. As the demand for parking is more than the supply, the spill over of extra parking should be permitted in the closest parking lots. Security is another issue that needs to be addressed.
— Mahendra Hemdev, Resident of Churchgate
Residents too pay road taxes, so parking facility should be provided close to the building. There is a need to create a proper pre-identified space for parking with CCTV, security and supervision by the traffic police, BMC and the police to enable citizens to contact them in case of any problem. The monsoons will be here soon. So, constant digging of roads and footpaths should be avoided for further road congestion.
— Sabrina Advani, Resident of Colaba
Most of the old buildings in Colaba that are nearly 75-years-old and don't have parking facilities. We park in the by-lane outside our buildings. Why should we be charged for this? On the other hand, by calling the entire Colaba Causeway a tourist zone, the BMC has created a mess by not charging tourist vehicles and buses. They come in large numbers and park in the middle of the road leading to a traffic-like situation on a daily basis. I think the parking rate for all residential vehicles should definitely be scrapped.
— Zainab Burmawala, Resident of Colaba
I'm looking forward to a revised policy of the civic body where the rates are more practical and better thought. I feel that for the pay-and-park policy to actually achieve its original objective of de-congesting our residential neighbourhoods, it needs to be adopted by everyone and not just a few hundreds.
— Munaf Kapadia, Resident of Colaba
Expert speak:
The BMC's pay-and-park policy is a small step in the right direction. Mumbai has around 3 lakh cars parked on roads and the parking sites identified by the civic body will accommodate not more than 25,000 cars. The authorities should make it clear whether the space allotted for rest of the cars will be legal or illegal. Although the policy is correct, we need to know that the policy may also create problems. Mumbai has many choked areas and the BMC should ideally focus on infrastructure to prevent any issues in the future.
—Ashok Dadar, Traffic analyst
Providing parking and levying charges for it is a small step to improve discipline on roads, but the BMC should focus on improving mobility on the roads. The civic body needs to have a practical outlook towards the policy and actually see the extent of parking space that can be provided after taking into account the number of vehicles in the city. The pay-and-park policy is to encourage public transport. The government should look for avenues to increase the mobility and capacity of public transport. A holistic approach is required. People will continue to use cars until they have better public transport.
—Sunil Badami, Traffic expert
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