Decks cleared for smart parking lots in UT, new rates approved

CHANDIGARH: Paving the way for implementation of smart parking in the city, Punjab governor and UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit on Thursday approved new parking rates applicable at 89 paid parking lots, run by the Chandigarh municipal corporation. The decision has come following a detailed discussion on the paid parking issue at a high-level meeting, comprising all senior officers of the UT and MC.
While the first 20 minutes shall be free of cost for pick and drop service, there has been slight increase in the existing parking charge for four-wheelers for the first 4 hours across 89 parking lots.While commuters riding two-wheelers need to pay Rs 7, people in cars are charged Rs 14 for the first 4 hours of parking at present. The slab rates have been introduced to facilitate circulation of vehicles and optimum utilization of parking space.

Officials said as most of the paid parking sites are in market areas of the city, moving vehicular traffic is also in the interest of businesses being run at these commercial hubs. In view of acute shortage of parking space in the city, parking in underground facilities, wherever available, has been incentivized. People using the facility will be charged Rs 5 less than the surface parking rates for corresponding category.
Taking Digital India Mission forward, the use of digital payment has been encouraged and cash payment discouraged. Accordingly, the cash payments have been de-incentivized by Rs 5 for all categories of vehicles in all slabs. This will also go a long way in bringing transparency and prevent corrupt practices by vendors and parking staff, officials said.
The slab rates and other components shall be applicable only after implementation of smart parking in the city. Till then, the existing rates will continue.