Delhi residents may soon face higher parking fees as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) directed civic bodies across the city to overhaul and rationalise parking charges by November 1, 2024. This initiative aims to curb air pollution and encourage greater use of public transportation. If implemented as planned, the new parking fees will take effect in November this year.
The CAQM’s mandate will see parking charges adjusted based on peak traffic times and area congestion. This strategy is intended to deter excessive use of private vehicles and promote more sustainable travel options. This is not the first time the CAQM has proposed such measures; a similar directive was issued in April.
Reasons Behind the Change
The escalating number of private vehicles in Delhi has exacerbated both air pollution and traffic congestion. The CAQM hopes that by raising parking fees, fewer people will opt for private vehicles, thereby decreasing pollution levels and alleviating traffic issues.
Will Higher Parking Fees Make a Difference?
Experts argue that increasing parking fees alone may not be sufficient. Amit Bhatt, Managing Director (India) of the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT), suggested that a comprehensive parking management plan was crucial. Bhatt advocated for additional measures such as reducing fees for zero-emission vehicles or offering free parking for them to incentivise cleaner alternatives.
“We need to either lower the fee for zero-emission vehicles or make parking free for them to encourage a shift towards clean fuel,” Bhatt stated in a recent report by the Times of India.
The CAQM’s approach reflects a broader strategy to address Delhi’s air quality issues, but it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in transforming commuting habits and reducing overall pollution.
Comments
0 comment