Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Traffic Cell has urged the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to address the town’s enduring traffic and parking issues with a renewed plan. In a formal communication sent to MMC, the Traffic Cell has outlined a proposal to implement pay-parking on several busy roads, aiming to bring order to the chaotic parking situation that has plagued the commercial capital for years.
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It may be recalled that the civic body’s multi-level parking project, proposed nearly a decade ago and intended to accommodate around 70 vehicles, remains unfinished. Questions linger over whether the project alone would effectively solve the town’s worsening parking woes. With this uncertainty, the Traffic Cell has advocated revisiting the pay-parking proposal that was shelved decades ago due to public opposition.
According to the Traffic Cell’s recent analysis, most parking spaces in central Margao are occupied throughout the day by owners and employees of nearby commercial establishments. This practice leaves limited space for short-term visitors, including locals and tourists, leading to double parking and vehicles being left in precarious spots, further aggravating traffic congestion. Parking scarcity is also exacerbated by some businesses with multiple vehicles occupying spaces intended for public use.
The letter from the Traffic Cell emphasises the necessity of streamlining existing parking spaces to maximize their utility. The plan suggests that introducing pay-parking would ensure organised use of parking areas, prevent accidents, and reduce congestion. It also proposes employing dedicated parking tax collectors, potentially creating jobs in the process.
In August 2022, the MMC passed a resolution supporting the Traffic Cell’s pay-parking proposal. However, the resolution has yet to be acted upon, and its current status remains unclear. Moreover, an audit report has criticised the council for failing to implement the system, noting the missed opportunity to generate significant revenue from pay-parking. The report also questioned why the MMC had not tapped into the revenue potential, which could have bolstered the municipal coffers and contributed to better urban management.
The Traffic Cell has proposed that pay-parking be implemented initially on arterial routes and interconnecting bylanes where congestion is most severe throughout the day. The plan also aims to provide systematic parking solutions catering to light motor vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers, cars, and jeeps. By introducing pay-parking, authorities hope to make better use of available parking spaces, ensuring safety and ease of access for all.
