Tackling parking problems in the city

KOCHI: In its effort to address issues related to urban traffic, urban planning and development, the state government has approved the Automobile Parking Policy for the towns and cities in the state as envisaged in the reforms under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The Local Self Government Department (LSGD) has already issued orders in this regard to the Mayors and the officials concerned of all the five Corporations in Kerala to begin the basic work for the formulation of the Urban Parking Policy based on the demographic specialties of the respective cities.

As per the order issued by the state, though different agencies are responsible for the construction and maintenance of different categories of urban roads, it is necessary to entrust the responsibility of vehicle parking policies to a single agency, the Municipal Corporation.

“It will be the responsibility of the Corporation to plan for the policy and implement the proposals by coordinating with other stakeholders including the Public Works Department (PWD), Roads and Bridges Development Corporation and the National Highway Authority of India,” it said.

The instructions also clearly specifies that ‘on-street parking facility’ shall be resorted only when there are no other options.

“Specific site studies shall be carried out before deciding to use any roadside margin for parking vehicles to ensure that the proposed parking provision will not obstruct pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Large off-street parking lots shall be installed with surveillance cameras,” according to the LSGD order.

As it is not always easy for Municipal Councils to develop on-street and off-street parking facilities due to various reasons, the guidelines also suggest Public Private Partnership (PPP) programmes for developing and operating parking arrangements. The local bodies are also instructed by the state to prohibit footpath parking and encroachments, especially by street vendors.

“Conversion of parking areas to commercial and other uses by building owners should be prevented. Basement floor meant for parking is put to other use and shopkeepers and customers are forced to park vehicles on the roadsides. Strict action should be taken to prevent the conversion of parking areas for other uses,” according to the Parking Policy guidelines.

In cities where land cost and parking demand are high, it is recommended that multi-level parking arrangement should be developed.