On Day 2, reserved parking for women on Brigade Road gets a mixed response

On the second day of the reserved parking for women on Brigade Road, some motorists were happy to get space easily, while others said the initiative will not last long due to some flaws. Confusion prevailed as some men were seen grabbing the reserved parking space.

Dr Deepika Kenkera was happy about the new venture. "I used to park my vehicle far away and had to shell out Rs 100 every hour. This is a good initiative which helps us save money. But the reserved parking slots must be spaced out so that both men and women share the space."

Anil Anjan Kumar, a resident from Yelahanka, said, "There is always a fight for equality for women and this addresses the issue. I have a sister and I know that she has faced problems walking to her car at night. Men should be ready to walk an extra mile by parking down the street and only then will it succeed."

"Couples can easily take advantage of this initiative if the woman is driving. It has to be equal for both men and women," opined another motorist who did not wish to be named.

"There has to be one space between the parking slots otherwise it will be difficult for women to park," said Deepthi.

Mayor R Sampath Raj launched the facility on Brigade Road on Sunday where 20% of the parking space is reserved for women. Here, woman drivers can park at Rs 10 for an hour or Rs 20 for two hours. If they park for more than two hours, their vehicle will be towed away.

Suhail Yusuff, secreatary, Brigade's Shops and Establishments Association said the move has been receiving a positive response from women.

Tiff over parking

There was a tiff between a woman and a security guard over the parking space reserved for women on Monday. Deepthi, a resident of HSR Layout was driving with her brother and found it difficult to park her vehicle between two cars.

She ended up parking with one side of the car jutting out of the designated parking space. The guard then asked them to park the car in the allotted space. When they refused, he locked up the car's wheels. This enraged Deepthi's brother, who hit the guard. Deepthi also threatened to call the police.