Belagavi : Footpaths, Cycle tracks most encroached upon by Vehicles or Vendors

Footpaths reserved for pedestrians along major city roads have become illegal parking spots for vehicles due to poor police surveillance and no legal action against offenders. Despite frequent complaints, the encroachment of footpaths continue.

As a part of the Smart City project, the Belagavi Smart City Limited (BSCL) has been building and revamping many footpaths and Cycle tracks. However, the citizens do not benefit from it as the footpaths and Cycle tracks are used for parking or have been encroached upon by hawkers.

A visit around the city showed that most of the footpaths and pavements are occupied by two-wheelers, Four-wheelers, vendors, tea stalls extending their stands, signboards kept by shops keepers, mannequins, hawkers and some people have even put up small houses with plastic sheets, leaving very little/No space for pedestrians.

Walking on the footpath is difficult in some areas where smartcity has constructed footpaths, as the electric poles, transformers have been erected exactly in the middle of footpaths.

Parking bays : Belagavi lacks proper parking systems and citizens park their vehicles wherever they find the space. Hence, the Belagavi City Corporation needs to create parking bays across the city, so that citizens get a proper place to park.

Parking Rules in India –

1. Most people in India are unaware of the parking rules. Here’s a list of parking rules in India that you must follow according to the New Motor Vehicle Act, 2019.
2. Do not abandon or park your vehicle/trailer at a public place where it may cause obstruction, inconvenience, or puts other people in danger.
3. Ensure that you are parking your vehicle according to the road signs or markings (if any) that indicates the manner of parking.

You cannot park your vehicle –

1. In the no parking zone or places in which parking is prohibited
2. On footpaths or far away from the footpaths
3. On private properties without the owner’s consent
4. On the main road or roads with high-speed traffic
5. On the wrong side of the road
6. On the path that has unbroken white lines in the centre
7. In front of the entrance of any premises
8. Near bus stops, schools, or hospital entrances
9. In front of any road signs that could possibly be obstructed with your vehicle
10. Near road crossings, a bend, top of a hill, or near/and on the bridge
11. Near any traffic signal or pedestrian crossings

No Parking Fines in India –

If you happen to park your vehicle in any manner, as stated above, you will have to pay the penalty. As a matter of fact, parking fines are different in different Indian cities. The heftiest fines are imposed in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi NCR.

The parking fines in Bangalore, parking in a ‘no parking’ area has fines starting from INR 1000. Also, you will be liable to pay late payment charges over and above the existing penalty rates.