Traffic Police, BMC to spruce up public parking lots; consider red-black kerbs outside to push use

MUMBAI: To tackle unauthorised parking and improve traffic flow, BMC and traffic police are sprucing up public parking lots (PPLs) and considering a colour-coding system to mark no-parking zones around them. Over a fortnight, the traffic police have taken action against 84,000 vehicles for parking violations.

At a recent meeting between traffic police chief Satya Narayan and senior BMC officials on traffic and parking management, a key concern raised was the underutilisation of PPLs despite over 30,000 parking spaces being available across 37 facilities. “We were asked to ensure that the influence zone around PPLs does not witness street parking and that motorists use the PPLs instead,” said BMC chief engineer (roads and traffic) M Swami.

The BMC and traffic police are examining a proposal to paint kerb stones around PPLs in red-and-black instead of the conventional yellowand-black pattern. The 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.

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. “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,” said Satya Narayan.

The inspections also found unauthorised occupation by private operators. “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 whereserious lapses were detected,” Swami said. Civic officials said total penalties over two months have touched Rs 40 lakh.

Authorities are working on measures to improve PPLs. “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,” Satya Narayan said.

Activist AV Shenoy of Mumbai Mobility Forum said, “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."