Soon, book your parking space in Bengaluru with the mobile phone!

 

The BBMP's Tax and Finance Department has invited tenders to create automated parking space in 80 roads in Bengaluru to ease the traffic menace in the commercial areas. According to the detailed project report, the motorists will have to download the application to book the space for an allotted time. If the parked vehicles are not taken out on time, the local police will get an alert to tow the vehicles.

 

Talking to Newsable, MK Gunashekhar, Chairman Tax and Finance Department, BBMP and brain behind 'Smart Parking' said, the tender process is in the final stage, and soon Bengaluru will have the innovative and concept in reality where in motorists can avail parking space by booking it online.

 

"The parking models were studied by visiting few places in Delhi and other cities. BBMP will develop an application for better parking. Motorists will have to download the app and book the space. Based on the availability, space will be rented out on an hourly basis for cars and bikes on 80 roads in the city. The BBMP held talks with the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) to chalk out a parking strategy. Based on the findings, we will identify the roads," said Gunashekhar.

 

“As in multiplexes and theatres where people can book tickets and show the SMS confirmation, BBMP will similar methods for booking the parking area. If the vehicles are not taken away by motorists within the allotted time, the local police will be intimated, and they will tow away the vehicles,” he added.

 

The BBMP has examined all the parking rates at multiplexes and other commercial areas and is yet to decide on the parking fee.

 

Once the project is completed, there will be a check on illegal parking mafia and the new system will also help in keeping up with lane discipline. There will be safety as CCTVs will be installed, he said.

 

The BBMP is also contemplating on introducing parking at its old and disused market complexes in areas like Balepet, Chikkpet, Akkipet, Cottonpet, Magadi Road Market and Cubbonpet. "The owners of the building with basement and parking area will be approached to seek the space for parking. In return, BBMP will give provisions like concession in taxes and others facilities," he added.

 

Although this idea may bring a smile on the faces of motorists, the transport expert criticised the move saying that the parking on roadside itself is illegal and BBMP wants to regularise it.

"There is a Supreme Court guideline that there should not be parking on the roadside as it is meant for vehicles to move," said MN Shreehari, Urban Transport Expert.