Pratap Sarnaik to News18: “Currently, many motorists don’t invest in parking spaces. Instead, they park on roads, which not only causes traffic snarls, but also creates hurdles for emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigade.”
Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra’s transport minister, in an interview with CNN-News18, spoke about the new traffic policy — ‘no parking space, no vehicle registration’ — in the works. According to Sarnaik, the move could help end traffic woes and ensure smoother vehicular movement.
Sarnaik said traffic-related issues, particularly in urban regions such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), are on the rise, given the increase in population and surge in vehicle ownership.
“Maharashtra’s roads are under immense pressure due to the increasing population and easy access to vehicles facilitated by readily available loans from sellers and banks,” Sarnaik said. “The result is a traffic crisis across cities, with vehicles occupying streets and creating bottlenecks.”
THE NEW POLICY
The transport department is drafting a policy that would mandate vehicle buyers to provide proof of parking space before purchasing a vehicle.
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— Pratap Baburao Sarnaik (@PratapSarnaik) December 26, 2024
Sarnaik said this measure aims to tackle indiscipline in parking, especially in congested urban areas. “Currently, many people, particularly those in smaller housing units, don’t invest in parking spaces. Instead, they park on roads, which not only causes traffic snarls, but also creates hurdles for emergency services such as ambulances and fire brigade,” said Sarnaik.
The minister acknowledged the unique challenges faced by residents of smaller homes, such as those living in chawls or one-bedroom apartments. To accommodate their needs, the policy would include provisions to obtain a clearance certificate from local municipal authorities. This certificate would verify that the buyer has access to designated parking zones or municipal parking facilities.
“We’re mindful of the fact that not everyone can afford large homes with dedicated parking spaces. However, we can’t compromise on discipline and public safety. These clearance certificates will ensure that vehicles are parked responsibly without encroaching upon public roads,” Sarnaik emphasised.