SOLVE PROBLEM OF CAR PARKING ON ROADS

SOLVE PROBLEM OF CAR PARKING ON ROADS

Vehicle Parking now a Problem

1 With the rapid increase in vehicle population, vehicle parking is assuming an alarming proportion.

2 The problem of easing road congestion by increasing road spaces is that more vehicles begin to ply as the current public transportation capacity is not adequate and/ or comfortable. Consequently parking problems have to be addressed. However, the more parking spaces one provides at whatever exorbitant costs, they will never be able to meet the demand and there will be roadside parking and hence further vehicular congestion leading to air and noise pollution and angry pedestrians and vehicle users.

3 MCGM is not at all acting seriously on this. One reason is that traffic is being handled by a wing of state police and is not a concern of MCGM. MVS has suggested formation of Mumbai Transportation Corporation to ease the situation through better coordination.

Present parking solutions

1 The ‘pay and park system’ has been introduced but need is at more places.

2 Some Ward officers are removing footpath on one side of road may be in consultation with elected councilors. Facilitating vehicles at the cost of pedestrians is against the national norms

3 Several plans have been on anvil for underground parking lots.

A radical solution to parking on roads

1 In view of shortage of road space in Mumbai, our goal should be no parking on road at all. Some exceptions may be there where ample space is available but these must be explicitly stated as exception.

2 MCGM should get multi-storey parking lots built up in each area and all vehicles in that particular area must be either parked within the house premises or in such paid parking lot. The charges for parking must be sufficiently heavy bordering on discouraging such parking regularly.

3 Vehicles parked on roads at the nighttime should be impose daily penalties or lifted by a squad.

Long term solutions for parking problems in Mumbai

Before climate issues affect us irretrievably, we should wake up and take actions which need to be taken in the overall interest of the society, though unpalatable to many. The need for the vehicle and/or parking has to be reduced

1 Owning of a personal vehicle has to disincentivized. Incentives for owning it should be removed immediately.

2 Disperse offices, industries to outside of Mumbai

3 Construct small rentable houses along with any commercial and industrial complex to be given on priority to those who work within a walking distance.

For more details write to mumbaivikas1@gmail.com