'Levy fee on parking space of malls'

The recent move to make parking in commercial malls free in South Delhi is a regressive step.

Since the SDMC cannot allow commercial transaction for parking under the existing law, the rules should have been amended to introduce parking fee to restrain parking demand and parking spill-over from these buildings, according to an analysis by the CSE.

This is because the commercial establishments draws huge traffic in cars and there are loopholes in the law, the rules need to be amended immediately, says the analysis. There needs to be strategic planning to resolve the existing parking woes.

The basement is not considered as a commercial area as it is not counted in the floor area ratio (FAR).

The CSE analysis also has pointed out that pedestrianisation in markets can mean more business for shopkeepers. While stone owners park for the whole day, at least seven shoppers can park on that space throughout the day which would increase the business volume. Pedestrianisation in market areas also increases business volumes as has been noticed over the world.

“Before more urban spaces are surrendered to increase parking spaces and to the mindless and expensive construction of parking facilities for cars, it is important to get the terms of action right,” said CSE Executive Director Anumita Roy Chowdhury. She was speaking at a workshop on ‘Urban parking planning and management’ organised by CSE on Monday.

Efficient management and proper utilisation of available parking lots can also increase parking capacity by at least 20-40 per cent, says CSE’s analysis. This can be
achieved through a mix of on-street and off-street parking.

Delhi already has 8.8 million vehicles and the vehicle registration has increased 14 per cent in a year.

In order to curtail parking demand, there is a need for strategic planning to enhance bus service and metro feeders along with auto services in all neighbourhoods, said experts at the workshop.