Ensure Parking Space Before Purchasing Car: Maharashtra To Enforce New Rule

Mumbai, Maharashtra: The Maharashtra government is planning to enforce new policy that would require individuals to exhibit availability of a parking space before purchasing a car. The scheme announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik aimed at addressing the rising problem of vehicular congestion in urban areas.

By substantiating the proposal, Sarnik highlighted that the increasing number of vehicles, especially in densely populated cities has caused the growing issue of traffic congestion.

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“People with one-bedroom apartments, often purchased on loan, are buying multiple cars and parking them on public roads due to the lack of private parking spaces,” Minister said.

Sarnik underlined that the unchecked parking of vehicles often leads to dire consequences, including the obstruction of emergency services like ambulances and fire brigades.

The Minister said that in many societies, open spaces are inhabited by parked cars, leaving no room for critical services to operate efficiently during emergencies.

At the same time, Sarnik also assured that the policy would not differentiate economically weaker sections, where he explained that vehicle buyers without personal parking facilities could still purchase cars if they able to locate spots in public parking lots.

“We are not saying the poor should not buy cars, but arrangements must be made for parking,” Minister said. Adding further, he said that the proposed policy might face disapproval, but he stated that such measures are pertinent for resolving traffic congestion.

Sarnik also detailed the ongoing efforts to improve public transportation to reduce dependency on private vehicles, referring developments in metro rail and other services. Sarnaik has also mentioned his “dream project” of introducing a a cable taxi system in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The concept of MMR has received appreciation from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

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Further Minister pointed that the proposed parking policy will be consulted with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for further consideration and prospective implementation.

“Just as families plan expenses before having a child, people should make arrangements for their car’s requirements, including parking,” Minister added.