Hundreds of people travel by public transport on a daily basis, but still, a gazillion vehicles are running on roads which causes traffic congestion and parking issues. Due to the rapidly increasing population and urbanisation, scarcity of parking space has become a significant issue in India. As a developing country, we are still learning to plan better and build sustainable infrastructures to make our cities future ready.
By looking at the present infrastructure and framework, it is nearly impossible to make space for all automobiles. Due to the lack of parking facilities, problems like traffic congestion, accidents, and pollution have increased significantly. To solve the parking-related issues in India, we need to understand the root causes of the problem, make better rules and regulations, and build advanced infrastructure and technologies.
Causes of Parking Problems in India
One of the main contributors to all the parking problems is the growing number of vehicles on the Indian road. As the number of cars and two-wheelers is increasing drastically, it’s urging the need for more parking spaces in cities. Additionally, many people prefer to travel in their own vehicles because of the inadequate transportation facilities to accommodate a large population, which makes the issue worse. Another major issue is the unauthorised parking of cars in restricted places, which limits the space available for legal parking.
Moreover, the major contributors to India’s parking issues are flawed urban planning & infrastructure and the dearth of parking spaces in the cities to meet the rising demand. Also, most parking areas in India are poorly maintained and lack security, leading to illegal parking, theft and other security issues.
What Is Parking Enforcement & Management?
Parking enforcement is enforcing regulations on the public and instructing them on how to park their cars, maintain road safety and avoid unauthorised parking. Parking management is the process of offering technological solutions that are useful in managing parking sites for individuals, businesses, and organisations.
Parking enforcement and management are done to ensure no motorist violates parking norms. Also, anyone who disobeys the parking regulations is responsible for paying the fine. It can be done through strict laws & penalties and by putting additional measures into action, like setting up CCTV cameras, barricade system, necessary signs and issuing challan, etc.
➡️ Also Read: How to Improve Parking Management in India
Major Parking Problems in India
For better transportation in India, we need adequate parking management & enforcement system. Due to insufficient parking space, people end up parking anywhere they find space resulting in chaos and congestion. People are facing several parking problems, and we need suitable solutions to tackle them.
- Saturated Parking Spaces
The number of vehicles has exceeded the available parking spaces, which is the reason for the havoc on the roads. As the number of vehicles constantly increases, the government need to build sustainable, innovative infrastructure to make space available for everyone.
- Unregulated Tariffs
Many paid parking spaces tend to overcharge during peak hours which is lawfully and ethically wrong. It causes confusion and frustration among motorists because it might affect their budget, or they might have to travel elsewhere, causing extra travelling time.
- Parking in Public Places
Due to fewer designated parking spots, people tend to park on roads, footpaths, or wherever they find an empty space. It might lead to traffic jams and accidents, causing inconvenience to everyone.
- Unauthorised Parking
Some people, out of habit, park in the no parking zone or restricted areas, causing trouble for others. People tend to park on private properties without consent, making the owner take necessary actions against the motorist.
Effective Solutions for Parking Problems in India
To solve the parking problems in India, we need to adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. Here are some effective solutions to parking problems in India.
- Construct More Parking Facilities
The most effective solution to the parking problem in India is to build more parking facilities. The government should construct multi-storey parking spaces in commercial and residential areas to fulfil the growing demand for parking areas. The government should collaborate with renowned private companies to construct parking facilities that are safe, secure, and spacious.
- Implement Smart Parking Solutions
We can implement smart parking solutions to optimise the use of available parking spaces. These solutions include using cameras and online applications to detect empty parking spaces and inform nearby drivers through it, respectively. This will help motorists find available parking spaces quickly and reduce the time spent searching for parking.
- Encourage the Use of Public Transportation
Encouraging the use of public transportation by most people can be an effective way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the demand for parking spaces. The government should invest in better public transportation services and promote their use through discounted fares and awareness campaigns. The use of public transport by the majority of people will help reduce traffic congestion and fuel burning, decreasing air pollution.
- Regulate Parking
Regulating parking is effective in reducing unauthorised parking on the streets. The government should regulate the parking spaces meant for legal parking by establishing strict regulations. Also, the government should implement a strong enforcement mechanism to ensure that the rules & regulations are being followed.
- Adopt Sustainable Travelling Options
Encouraging the use of sustainable transportation options such as cycling, walking, and carpooling can be an effective way to reduce the demand for parking spaces. It will also be helpful for the environment because the carbon emission will reduce with less fuel consumption. The government should build sturdy cycling tracks and footpaths and spread awareness regarding carpooling.
Conclusion
The government can solve the parking problems by implementing a comprehensive approach that handles the root causes of all the issues. Constructing more parking facilities, implementing smart parking solutions, encouraging the use of public transportation, regulating parking, and adopting sustainable transportation solutions are effective ways to solve the parking problems in India. By taking these steps, we can reduce traffic congestion, accidents, pollution and other parking issues and build a sustainable and secure society.
Several companies are working towards developing an excellent parking system by seeking collaborative membership with the NGOs. Indian Parking Association is a non-profitable organisation that provides membership to these private parking enforcement companies working for the betterment of society.