BBMP to launch parking policy to ease traffic

BANGALORE: The Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) has suggested the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to introduce parking policy to reduce traffic congestion in city. Speaking at the panel discussion and public consultation on “Combating Traffic Congestion in Bangalore: An alternative Vision” organised by Civic Bangalore on Monday, DULT commissioner V Manjula said they have suggested the BBMP to introduce parking policy, to check traffic congestion in city.Manjula said that they have included ‘show the proof of space’ rule in the policy. She opined people park cars in front of  their houses leading to road blocks.The city has around 395 vehicle users for every 1000 people and 70 per cent of them are two-wheeler users. In order to lessen private vehicle usage, there is a need to increase parking fee, she said.“The policy proposes to increase parking fee. This will also generate revenue for the  BBMP. She further said that the on-street parking (on either side of the road) will be charged more than off-street parking(malls, multi-level vehicle parking and commercial establishments).Further, Manjula said that they have also proposed to divide the city into various traffic zones, in which parking fee will be high where the public transport network is good. “There are chances of public opposing the plan but NGOs should act like a bridge between the government and public,” she said.Explaining the terms of the policy, Manjula said that they have proposed to earmark space for pedestrians, dedicated lanes for bicycles and BMTC buses. She said that every day 45 lakh people travel in BMTC buses, which constitute 50 per cent of the population. The travel time consumed by passengers is 1.5 times more than the time taken by two and four-wheeler users.“Space for buseson the left side of the road  is suggested,” she said. Deputy Mayor S Harish and Kathyayini Chamaraj of Civic Bangalore were also present.