India's biggest parking problem is that it's free, Pg13

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court's June 19 judgment on the fundamental right to walk highlighted the violation of footpaths by free parking.
• Incidents of violent disputes over open-space parking in Noida and Vadodara underscore the severity of the problem.
• The core issue is the rapid growth in car ownership in Indian cities coupled with the widespread practice of free parking on public land.
• Several states and cities are implementing policies like Maharashtra's 'No Parking, No Car' policy (2025) and Bengaluru's Parking Policy 2.0 (2021) to regulate parking.
• Experts advocate for regulated, priced, and permit-based residential parking to address congestion and reclaim public spaces.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court ruling emphasizes that the right to walk on demarcated footpaths takes precedence over motorized vehicles.
• The increase in car ownership, particularly in metropolitan areas, has led to a shrinking of available free parking spaces.
• A strong sense of entitlement among car owners contributes to the misuse of public spaces for parking.
• The Comprehensive Policy on Traffic, Road Safety, Encroachment and Cattle Menace for Ahmedabad City (2026) requires pre-building use parking compliance for development permissions.
• The Odisha Comprehensive State Parking Policy (2026) includes provisions for residential parking permits.
• Delhi Maintenance and Management of Parking Rules, 2017, proposed paid on-street parking in residential areas, though full enforcement is pending.
• The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, currently do not mandate proof of parking space for new vehicle registration.
• Urban planning experts like Donald Shoup argue that free parking exacerbates car use, congestion, and housing costs.
• Implementing paid parking systems can help reduce congestion, improve emergency access, and discourage multiple car ownership.
• Parking fees can generate revenue for Urban Local Bodies to invest in public transport and pedestrian infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Right to Walk: A fundamental right recognized by the Supreme Court, ensuring access to safe and demarcated footpaths.
• Right to the City: A concept advocating for collective power to shape urban processes and ensure equitable access to urban resources.
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: A central law regulating all aspects related to motor vehicles in India, including registration and traffic rules.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Local self-governing institutions responsible for urban planning, infrastructure, and public services.