Coimbatore Corporation's decision to charge for roadside parking faces opposition from traders and consumer organizations, citing potential harm to businesses and unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Corporation's decision to charge fees for roadside parking has met with strong opposition from consumer organizations and traders in the city. Critics argue that this move is unnecessary and will negatively impact businesses in the area.
The expanded Coimbatore Corporation now encompasses 100 wards, with major roads like Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram, Trichy Road, Sathy Road, Pollachi Road, and Palakkad Road experiencing significant traffic congestion. These areas already face a shortage of parking spaces for two and four-wheelers.
Consumer organizations point out that while property taxes have been increased by 100%, it is the corporation's duty to provide necessary parking facilities for tax-paying citizens. They argue that charging for roadside parking is unacceptable under these circumstances.
Mr. Jayaraman, President of the Citizens' Voice Coimbatore organization, has written a letter to the Corporation Commissioner expressing concerns about the new parking policy. He highlighted that many large shops and commercial establishments in the corporation area have already implemented valet parking services with drivers' assistance.
The letter also mentions that the corporation has established paid parking facilities in various key areas such as Gandhipuram and Raja Street. However, there have been persistent complaints about overcharging at these facilities, which the corporation has failed to address effectively.
Jayaraman suggests that instead of converting roadsides into paid parking zones, the corporation should focus on creating adequate parking facilities. He recommends considering multi-level parking facilities in areas with high traffic congestion.
Mr. Muthu Venkatram, President of the Coimbatore Gold Jewelers Association, expressed concern about the impact on businesses. He stated, "This scheme will be implemented only in some key areas of Coimbatore city. It will severely affect trade. Before implementing such schemes, the corporation administration should hold consultative meetings with traders. Otherwise, it will cause severe impact not only to traders but also to the general public."
The opposition to the parking fee decision highlights the need for better dialogue between the city administration, businesses, and residents to find sustainable solutions to Coimbatore's parking and traffic challenges.
The expanded Coimbatore Corporation now encompasses 100 wards, with major roads like Avinashi Road, Gandhipuram, Trichy Road, Sathy Road, Pollachi Road, and Palakkad Road experiencing significant traffic congestion. These areas already face a shortage of parking spaces for two and four-wheelers.
Consumer organizations point out that while property taxes have been increased by 100%, it is the corporation's duty to provide necessary parking facilities for tax-paying citizens. They argue that charging for roadside parking is unacceptable under these circumstances.
Mr. Jayaraman, President of the Citizens' Voice Coimbatore organization, has written a letter to the Corporation Commissioner expressing concerns about the new parking policy. He highlighted that many large shops and commercial establishments in the corporation area have already implemented valet parking services with drivers' assistance.
The letter also mentions that the corporation has established paid parking facilities in various key areas such as Gandhipuram and Raja Street. However, there have been persistent complaints about overcharging at these facilities, which the corporation has failed to address effectively.
Jayaraman suggests that instead of converting roadsides into paid parking zones, the corporation should focus on creating adequate parking facilities. He recommends considering multi-level parking facilities in areas with high traffic congestion.
Mr. Muthu Venkatram, President of the Coimbatore Gold Jewelers Association, expressed concern about the impact on businesses. He stated, "This scheme will be implemented only in some key areas of Coimbatore city. It will severely affect trade. Before implementing such schemes, the corporation administration should hold consultative meetings with traders. Otherwise, it will cause severe impact not only to traders but also to the general public."
The opposition to the parking fee decision highlights the need for better dialogue between the city administration, businesses, and residents to find sustainable solutions to Coimbatore's parking and traffic challenges.