Indore: Don’t be surprised if down the years, Indore’s traffic and parking management system becomes like London. Giving a videshi touch to city streets, civic body is preparing a ‘parking management policy’ in association with United Kingdom government under UK-India ‘Strategic Partnership’ for Smart Urban Development in Indian States (SmUDI).

The initiative aims at effective utilization of parking spaces, reducing dependency on private vehicles and increase ridership of public transport. “The parking management policy focuses on five broad guiding principles. Under each guiding principle, several initiatives will be taken to increase parking turnover, allocate appropriate space for road users, reduce demand for parking, increase ridership of public transport and reduce traffic congestion,” Indore civic body commissioner Asheesh Singh told TOI.

Under the new policy, people might soon have to pay for parking their vehicles at public places like open grounds, gardens or even on roads in front of their houses.

“These initiatives will be implemented in phases as it will require understanding of citizens’ acceptability and modifications in strategy if needed,” he said, adding that provision regarding collection of charges from citizens if they use public spaces such as roads, public ground or garden for parking vehicles have also been made in the policy.

“A final decision in this regard is yet to be taken as it also requires permission from state government,” commissioner said.

He said that corporation plans to implement the system on trial in certain areas of city and if all goes well IMC would pitch for making provisions to incorporate the plan in its bylaws. “The main idea is to encourage people to shun use of private vehicles and opt for public transport, especially in areas with heavy traffic pressure,” he said.

Officials said that they are identifying potential areas in city for implementation and enforcement of the parking management system.

“Areas with maximum parking demand and presence of commercial establishments will be given priority for successful implementation of the plan,” said Ashwani Lamba, an official associated with the project.

On-street parking and no parking zones would also be introduced in certain areas for proper implementation of the plan, he added.



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