Parking Ke Andar 'Itna Sannata Kyon Hai?'

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Though the 'smart' parking rates were supposed to have been applied for the betterment of City Beautiful, it is leaving this city uglier, with residents arguing with attendants, residents complaining about cars blocking their entrances, and people finding innovative slots to park, including on top of road dividers! While some citizens argue that they don't mind paying the extra money, others claim that since parking lots haven't been 'smartened' yet, their money paid so far should be refunded.



‘Responsibility of protecting the vehicles should be that of authorities, but that is not mentioned anywhere at the toll gates’

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The authorities are changing parking rates like weather forecasts. This has added to the worries of the public. The officials should roll back the hiked parking rates. These changes really weigh heavy on the pocket of citizens. The infrastructure of parking places is in shambles. The hike in parking fees has given a push to unauthorised parking and encroaching upon the roads. The outcome is, packed roads with traffic even at wee hours. The disputes between the authorities and citizens are increasing, as citizens can't pay heavy parking fee. The responsibility for the protection of the vehicles should be that of authorities, but that is not mentioned anywhere. The parking places should be affordable for one and all. The taxes paid by residents should be utilised more efficiently so that this money does not go down the drain. It is a big issue, in which public service has taken a back seat. Carpooling, cycling, and the use of public transport should be encouraged which will aid in curbing pollution and parking worries. The solution lies in authorising market associations to run free parking lots as being the case in Sectors 19 and 22. The revenue can be generated at free parking lots by placing hoardings of advertisements of big companies. Moreover, the authorities should improve the infrastructure and administration at parking lots.
— Jaspreet Singh, student, journalism and mass communication.
Multani Mal Modi College, Patiala
(via facebook @Etimestimesofindiachandigarh)