In June last year, the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) government had chalked out draft parking police, according to which, there was provision for allowing parking in residential areas on payment of charges.
With an eye on the next Assembly election in the first quarter of next year, the Delhi government has expedited action on the much-debated new parking policy and notified its draft policy.
In June last year, the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) government had chalked out draft parking police, according to which, there was provision for allowing parking in residential areas on payment of charges and higher charges may be levied for parking in those areas during the day-time.
“Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking Places Rules, 2019, was notified last week after approval of the Transport Minister,” a senior Delhi government official confirmed. However, the official did not elaborate much on it saying the announcement to made by the transport department of the Delhi government.
Under the new parking policy, on-street parking fee will increase exponentially as per the duration to discourage long hours of parking.
“Peak and off-peak fees and exponential increase per hour of use would be used to moderate parking demand. On-street parking will not be allowed at least up to 25 meter from intersections on each arm of road. Parking plans will also include parking arrangements within residential areas,” sources said.
The civic agencies will consider developing open areas, excluding green patches and parks, near the colonies as parking lots on payment basis. Also, the owners of vacant plots in residential colonies and commercial areas could be authorised to allow parking on such land against a fee.
Parking on footpaths will be strictly prohibited and such vehicles will be towed away by civic agencies. The policy provides for electric vehicle charging and battery swapping facility in each parking lot.
Also, the civic agencies, including the three municipal corporations in the city, will prepare and implement local area specific parking plans (Area Parking Plans), according to the draft policy. “The parking plans will be prepared within four months of notification of the rules,” said an official privy with the matter.
Traffic police will be responsible for towing away vehicles parked on 60 feet wide roads. In case of other roads, civic agencies will do this.
