The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the traffic police are taking steps to address unauthorised parking and improve traffic flow by upgrading public parking lots (PPLs) and considering a colour-coding system to mark no-parking zones around them. This initiative comes after the traffic police took action against 84,000 vehicles for parking violations over a fortnight.
Meeting Highlights Underutilisation of PPLs
At a recent meeting between traffic police chief Satya Narayan and senior BMC officials, a key concern was the underutilisation of PPLs despite over 30,000 parking spaces available across 37 facilities. BMC chief engineer (roads and traffic) M Swami stated, “We were asked to ensure that the influence zone around PPLs does not witness street parking and that motorists use the PPLs instead.”
Proposed Colour-Coding System
The BMC and traffic police are examining a proposal to paint kerb stones around PPLs in red-and-black instead of the conventional yellow-and-black pattern. This proposal gained traction after complaints about the Kohinoor Public Parking Lot in Dadar, where motorists frequently parked on adjoining roads despite vacant bays inside the multi-level facility.
Inspections Reveal Poor Maintenance and Low Occupancy
Over two months, BMC conducted inspections of PPLs following complaints of poor maintenance, operational lapses, and misuse. Officials noted that despite available parking, motorists continued parking on roads, worsening congestion. Satya Narayan commented, “Occupancy in some PPLs is 50% or even lower. Motorists may not be aware of their locations, while poor illumination and leakages are also issues.”
Penalties Imposed on Private Operators
The inspections also found unauthorised occupation by private operators. Swami said, “We have penalised operation and maintenance agencies managing these PPLs. Penalties of Rs 1 lakh each have been imposed in many cases, and even higher amounts where serious lapses were detected.” Civic officials confirmed that total penalties over two months have reached Rs 40 lakh.
Measures to Improve PPLs
Authorities are implementing several measures to enhance PPLs. Satya Narayan explained, “Electronic surveillance cameras will be installed, illumination improved, wardens posted, and signage put up. Digital displays will provide real-time occupancy data so motorists know space availability.”
Activist Calls for Alternatives
Activist AV Shenoy of Mumbai Mobility Forum remarked, “Merely penalising motorists for no-parking violations will not work unless alternatives are provided. Former BMC commissioner Pravin Pardeshi had tried encouraging PPL use by imposing fines of Rs 10,000 for parking adjacent to them, but the move was discontinued.”
