Stamp out illegal parking lots once and for all

Representation pic

Mumbai's biggest bugbear, parking (or the lack of it), needs serious thought and solutions. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced the launch of a pilot project to develop the public parking lot on Jagannath Sawant Marg in Dadar West into a ‘model parking facility' and said it will crack down on illegal parking lots from July 1.

While the model parking lot sounds good, what it really means is that the civic body has undertaken several measures at the parking lot, including a cleanliness drive, installation of additional lighting and CCTV cameras, and enhanced safety provisions for women motorists.

The BMC currently manages 37 parking facilities across the city, with a combined capacity to accommodate 30,135 vehicles. This model parking project has parking capacity for around 1000 three-wheelers and four-wheelers, along with 12 two-wheelers. The civic body has also increased the number of directional signboards to help motorists easily locate the parking facility.

Now, civic authorities will have to fix reasonable, competitive rates so that people can actually use these lots, leading to easing congestion. While there may be some teething troubles, given that this is a pilot project, it is important to note that the initiative has a holistic vision.

Accessibility to the parking lot is important. Lighting leading up to the facility is vital. While lighting must be factored in, too. Signage a distance away, telling vehicle drivers that there is a parking lot, directions which should be visible on overcast, monsoon days too, should all be part of the package. Stamp out illegal parking lots and bogus attendants making a fast buck.