Hike in parking rates: Views sought

During the peak slot,after the first three hours,a sum of Rs 50 will charged per hour. In the non-peak slot,Rs 20 per hour will be charged after the first three hours.

Residents can also avail of a monthly permit at the rate of Rs 1,500,which will be applicable for one vehicle per family or shop.

The department has given the public a month’s time to put forward their point.

The current parking rate for four-wheelers in MCD area is Rs 10 for 10 hours,after which Rs 20 is charged for up to 24 hours.

The NDMC divides its area into three groups and parking charges are connected to the commercial importance of the area. For instance,in Connaught Place (falls in group A),Rs 10 is charged for the first two hours and Rs 10 for every subsequent hour.

The Transport department said the traffic police will define peak hours,meanwhile,police officers said the issue will be decided after a meeting with the government.

“Generally,peak hours for moving traffic is 8 am to 10.30 am and 5 pm to 9 pm. But every area has different peak hours. For instance,peak hours on Ring Road cannot be same as that for an area like Chandini Chowk,’’ said a traffic police officer.

Traffic police feels high rates will help control parking demand in the city. “The current parking rate is low and non-prohibitive,’’ said Satyendra Garg,Joint Commissioner Police (Traffic).

Following a Delhi High Court order,a special task force (STF) was set up under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. The recommendation to increase parking rates was made by the STF.

The Transport department said after receiving the public views,a a meeting of the STF will be held.

“The deliberation process will take two months,after which the recommendations will be forwarded to the implementing body — MCD and NDMC,’’ said a Transport official.