Where will SoBo park its cars?

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's effort to make additional parking space in Colaba, Churchgate and Nariman Point available under its new parking policy have been for naught, as despite receiving 28 applications for no-objection certificates for on-street parking, the traffic department has issued only two so far.

According to a civic official, the reason behind this delay is the timing the parking is available — residential parking slots are available from 8 pm to 8 am only.

Of the total 28 applications — 19 housing societies and nine commercial establishments — only one each has been granted an NOC currently. A senior civic official from the A ward, on condition of anonymity, said that despite an impressive response from residents, there is delay in implementation due to lack of clarity. "If vehicles are found parked along the road even after 8 am, there is no clarity on what happens to them," said the civic official, adding that though the traffic department can tow them away, it might not be feasible on a regular basis. "If the civic body tows away vehicles, where will we keep them?" said the official. Initially, the residents association of A-ward had also raised questions and demanded clarity in the policy and had written to the civic chief, but had not received a reply.

For reserved residential parking, societies will have to pay the BMC monthly charges that vary from R600 to R1,800, depending on the location. A-ward, which also falls under the 'A' catergory i.e. The highest parking rates, also has several commercial complexes, and government buildings.

Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) said, "We have received several applications for residential parking, and in the next 10 days, we will take a decision."