TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The controversial pay parking may return on the streets of the commercial capital if the traffic police finally have its way.
Nearly a decade after a similar proposal was dumped following public outcry and an agitation by the Youth Congress workers, the traffic police have despatched a fresh proposal of pay parking to the Margao Municipality for consideration. This time, however, the traffic police has recommended levy of parking fees on four wheelers only on selected roads across the city, saying regulation of parking will create parking space for 200 four-wheelers.
A senior MMC official confirmed having received the pay parking proposal from the traffic department, but hastened to add that no decision has yet been taken on the matter. “The proposal will be placed before the Municipal Council for appropriate decision,” he remarked..
Margao Traffic Cell in-charge, PI Prabodh Shirwaikar said around 12 city roads, which play host to four-wheeler parking, have been identified for pay parking. If the traffic department had burnt its fingers last time over pay parking, this time the police said their proposal is based on comprehensive and elaborate analysis of the problem. “What we seek to do is to review the existing parking spaces by streamlining the same for creating additional parking spaces to reduce congestion and avoid accidents,’ PI Shirwaikar said.
“Available parking places are occupied by the owners and employees of commercial establishments from morning till evening, thus occupying the scarc, parking slots for an entire day. This forces customers and tourists to park on the road, adding to the traffic choas,” the proposal stated.
