Transport minister R Ashok, who also handles city affairs, on Saturday said the pay-and-park system would not be introduced in Bangalore. “The tenders invited by BBMP to implement the pay-and-park system at various roads in the city, especially in Central Business District, will be called off,” said Ashok. BBMP had recently invited tenders to introduce automated pay-and-park scheme at 37 roads including MG Road, Brigade Road and Jayanagar.
Sources in BBMP, however, said metered parking on Brigade Road and Commercial Street may be renewed as the government has already signed a deal with the shoppers’ associations to implement the project. Some of the roads have been identified for metered parking and a final decision is pending.
“The BJP fought tooth and nail to ban pay-and-park in Bangalore when it was sitting in opposition and we will stick to it even now,” said Ashok.
Imtiyaz Ahmed, president of CMH Road Residents’ welfare Association, welcomed the minister’s decision. Suhail Yusuf, secretary, Brigade Shops and Establishments Association, does not agree. “Pay-and-park facilities will streamline the parking. Hyderabad and Chennai have borrowed the system which was introduced for the first time in Bangalore. When other states are aping us, why should we take back our steps?” asks Yusuf.
