Pay more to park or get challaned
PARKING WOES
Manoeuvre your car out of your driveway and be prepared to pay hiked parking charges in commercial areas or residential colonies or else invite increased challans.
The recent news of hike in parking charges indicates that the rates are yet to be finalised but authorities are leaving no stone unturned to mar the happiness of car owners - that too in this festive season. The hike is steep and if sources are to be believed then be prepared to shell out Rs 10-15 for half an hour; Rs 20 for an hour; Rs 50 for three hours and Rs 100-150 for six hours, alongwith an exponential increase in rates for subsequent hours. If you happen to be parked on the main roads - failing to find a spot in the lot, then you could be penalised Rs 600 as opposed to Rs 100 currently.
Is the news shocking? It is so for most Delhiites, already harassed by mismanagement in parking lots and non-availability of parking space. Metrolife talks to Delhiites on the issue and finds out that they are infuriated to the core.
Makes sense, for finding parking in Delhi isn’t easy. If you think that you shall head to nearby residential areas for parking, then think again for a plan is being proposed to impose parking charges in residential areas too.
Nitin Mehra, a marketing professional says, “It is insane to propose this. If I am parking outside my relative’s place to visit them on Diwali and my car is on the road, parked at my own risk, the government is expecting me to pay parking for it? If they want us to pay parking charges then they should also take the responsibility for our vehicle. As of now, if I park my car in any parking lot then I can’t be sure of its safety. There have been cases of stealing stereo, spare tyres or other accessories. Why should I invite these thefts by paying high parking rates?”
Safety of vehicles is an issue but for the professionals who are usually on the field, the news is no less than a nightmare.
Hemant Bajaj, a medical representative says, “If the authorities are increasing the parking rates then why don’t they ask our companies to increase our travelling allowance as well because it is not possible for us to commute by public transport to every nook and corner of Delhi.”
Be prepared to face all this the next time you head for your work in your vehicle!
