Visitors forced to pay Rs 80 for parking cars at Books Market

Harshraj Singh

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 22

As officials of the Zila Parishad look the other way, parking contractor has been fleecing visitors at the Books Market near Chaura Bazar. Against fixed parking fee of Rs 10 per hour, the contractor charges Rs 80 for a car.

With board displaying parking fee missing, visitors are often seen arguing with workers of the parking contractor.

Visitors usually blame the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC) for overcharging by the contractor. However, the parking site at the Books Market actually comes under the ambit of Zila Parishad.

“When I parked my car at the Books Market, an employee of contractor asked me to pay fee while I was leaving the parking. However, he did not reveal the fee. On return, I was forced to pay Rs 80 for parking my car for 45 minutes. No fee was mentioned on the parking slip given to me,” said a visitor.

“The parking staff claimed that fee for car is Rs 80 whether one parks his/her vehicle for 10 minutes or more. It is total harassment. I don’t understand why the administration has a soft corner for such parking contractors, who loot visitors without any fear of law,” he added.

“The authorities concerned should display parking fee along with a helpline number. Contact number of a nearby police station should also be displayed at the site so that we can call for help,” said a woman, who visited the Books Market.

“Parking mafia backed by the ruling government in state is active in the city. People are being forced to pay more than prescribed parking fee everywhere.” said Parminder Mehta, vice-president, BJP’s Ludhiana unit.

“The hourly parking fee is Rs 10 for a four-wheeler and Rs 5 for a two-wheeler,” said Karamvir Singh, an official at the Zila Parishad office.

“We will inquire if the contractor is charging more than the prescribed parking fee. The file related to the parking site has been sent to the higher authorities. I can comment about parking agreement conditions only after reading the file,” said Sikander Singh, superintendent at the Zila Parishad office.

Ironically, elected members of the Zila Parishad were administered oath in January, but the body has no chairman till date.

“The issue is not in my knowledge. I will take up the matter with officials concerned. A parking fee board will be displayed at the site. If the contractor is found overcharging, the Zila Parishad must cancel agreement with him,” said Gurdev Singh Lapran, member, Zila Parishad.