For the first time, designated parking slots have been reserved for women in the city, keeping in mind women’s safety issues.
Mayor R Sampath Raj on Sunday inaugurated the ‘women only’ smart parking zone on Brigade Road.
“This is first tzime such an initiative has been taken in Bengaluru, and even in India. We have reserved the first 15 slots on Brigade Road after the signal (from Band Box dry cleaners) for women. Though this was launched on a pilot basis, we have decided to make it permanent, following an overwhelming response,” the mayor said. The BBMP has decided that such paid parking slots would come on Church Street and Commercial Street too.
The parking slots can be easily identified as there are ‘ladies/women only’ boards. Parking attendants will also be deployed to ensure that men do not park in these spots, irrespective of space constraints. Those attempting to do so will be penalised and booked.
The BBMP will increase the number of parking slots on all major and busy roads. “We have also decided that on all roads where new parking tenders would be called, parking spaces will be reserved for women. We will reserve spots for women in all government buildings and public places.
At these places, parking is provided at a fee. A circular in this regard will be issued soon,” Raj said.
Stress on safety
Women are forced to walk long stretches when they are on Brigade Road or Commercial Street. On one hand, the government is talking about the safety of women, while on the other, they are forced to park their vehicles far off and walk long distances, some times even alone. Due to limited parking, they do not bring their vehicles too. The new parking arrangement will give them some relief, Raj added.