Bengaluru: The city is all set to put a price on one of its most contested public resources — road space. Under the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority Parking Rules, 2026, residents who want to park their cars on the road outside their homes will have to obtain annual permits, with fees varying by vehicle type.The draft also proposes sweeping restrictions on where vehicles can be parked, particularly around major roads and Metro stations.There are proposals for a complete ban on parking on arterial roads identified as high-density corridors by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). It also seeks parking restrictions during peak hours on select arterial roads notified by traffic police.In addition, vehicles would not be allowed to park near junctions, bus stops, transit hubs, pedestrian crossings and footpaths, with detailed setback requirements prescribed under the rules.The proposed rules seek to significantly reduce on-street parking near public transport hubs. Initially, on-street parking would be prohibited within 150 metres of Metro and suburban railway station boundaries. The draft allows city corporations to gradually increase the no-parking zone up to 500 metres. The proposal is expected to impact several high-footfall Metro station areas across the city where commuters currently rely on adjoining roads for parking.Private operators to enforce rulesIn a shift from the current system, the draft proposes to authorise private operators managing public parking facilities to issue violation notices, collect parking-related charges, tow vehicles and clamp vehicles after being formally authorised by city corporations. The operators would be required to record video evidence of violations before towing vehicles, and all towing activities would be overseen by traffic police.To increase organised parking supply, the draft allows city corporations to lease vacant private plots and develop them into public parking facilities.Private landowners who voluntarily convert vacant plots into parking facilities would be eligible for incentives, including property tax exemptions.Owners providing mechanised or multi-level parking facilities could receive 100% exemption from property tax and service charges, while owners offering surface-level parking could receive a 50% exemption.The draft directs Metro, BMTC and suburban rail agencies to create off-street parking facilities on land available with them, particularly at interchange stations and peripheral locations, to encourage park-and-ride travel.Transit agencies may also offer discounted parking rates for commuters using public transport.Common parking portal plannedAll parking operators, city corporations and transit agencies would be required to share real-time information on parking availability, occupancy and pricing with GBA.The data would eventually be integrated into a common citywide parking portal and mobile application to help motorists locate available parking spaces and enable authorities to plan future parking infrastructure.Traffic police will continue to have powers to enforce no-parking regulations, tow vehicles and take action against repeat offenders.The draft also allows city corporations to increase parking rates based on demand and location and proposes higher charges for longer parking durations to discourage all-day occupation of valuable road space.Penalties prescribedIllegal parking on roads-Rs 500 for cars-Rs 300 for two-wheelersParking on footpaths-Rs 1,000 for cars-Rs 600 for two-wheelersKey conditions-Residential street parking allowed only through permit-Permit valid for one year-Parking outside the permitted area will be treated as a violation
