Best of Pepa Pombo Designs – Colombiamoda Spring 2011 – Photos

Illegal parking operators mushrooming

The Kathmandu Post September 16, 2011 KATHMANDU, Sept. 16 -- Many bike owners know that the parking fee for one hour is Rs 5 in the Capital city. But to his utter dismay, Sabin Neupane of Lazimpat was compelled to cough up Rs 15 on Thursday for parking his motorcycle near Medicare Hospital, that even for just 20 minutes.

Like Neupane, many motorcyclists unwantedly pay at least Rs 15 depending on the total parking duration to a local club of Chabahil. This is just a case in point among hundreds of so-called parking zones where motorcylists and car owners are cheated in the name of local clubs-a flourishing trend without acquiring permission from Kathmandu Metropolitan City. here best parking nyc

According to KMC data, 32 places are allotted to 26 private companies and clubs to collect parking fees. Officials say collection of parking fees by local clubs has mushroomed all over the Capital in the past few years.

"We receive complaints about illegal collection of parking fees and are planning to take action," said Ram Prasad Poudel, an officer of KMC's revenue department. "Those operating parking space without permission are subjected to face punishment and fine." Lack of coordination among the concerned stakeholders like Department of Road and Traffic Police is to blame for this problem, he said. see here best parking nyc

Chabahil, Kumari Chaur, Charkhal and Koteswor are some of the few places where local clubs, even gangs of youth, are illegally owing parking places without KMC permission and collecting money. Some officials say the KMC has been authorising one club to collect parking charges in different places, angering other clubs. Up to six operators are allowed to collect parking fees in two places.

According to the existing provision, the parking fee of a motorbike for an hour is Rs 5 and maximum Rs 10 for two hours or unlimited period. For four-wheelers, the minimum is Rs 10 and maximum Rs 20.

Parking fee is a source of KMC's revenue. It raised Rs 348 million from parking charges last year.

On the other hand, Metropolitan Traffic Police Division (MTPD) says KMC has been obstructing traffic management by issuing parking permission without consulting traffic police.

"KMC often grants permission to collect parking fees without informing us, which is also one of the reasons for traffic congestion in New Road, Lazimpat and Chabahil areas," said MTPD Spokesman SP Jagat Man Shrestha.

Published by HT Syndication with permission from EKantipur.com.

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