Congress minister Ramalinga Reddy has raised concerns over the Karnataka government's proposed parking policy for Bengaluru, particularly the plan to charge residents an annual fee for parking vehicles on public roads outside their homes. In a letter to Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru Development Minister DK Shivakumar, Reddy acknowledged the need to regulate illegal and prolonged roadside parking but warned that the proposed charges could place an additional financial burden on ordinary and middle-class families.

Under the draft GBA (Parking) Rules, 2026, residents could be required to pay an annual residential parking permit fee depending on the type of vehicle. The proposed charges are Rs 15,000 for hatchbacks, Rs 20,000 for sedans and Rs 25,000 for sports utility vehicles. The proposal is aimed at regulating the use of public roads for residential parking as Bengaluru continues to face traffic congestion and limited parking availability in several parts of the city.

Reddy pointed out that many residents, particularly those living in older buildings and established residential neighbourhoods, do not have sufficient parking space within their premises. While residents of independent houses with larger plots may be able to accommodate vehicles inside their properties, apartment residents and families in older localities may have fewer alternatives. He argued that imposing an annual charge could disproportionately affect households that have no practical private parking option.

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The minister also highlighted the financial pressures already faced by middle-class families, including home and vehicle loans, children's education, healthcare and everyday household expenses. He cautioned that an annual parking fee of up to Rs 25,000 could become a significant additional cost for such families. At the same time, Reddy supported efforts to prevent illegal and long-term occupation of public roads by parked vehicles, indicating that parking regulation itself was necessary to address Bengaluru's growing mobility challenges.

Reddy has suggested that the government examine exemptions or alternative provisions for residents who regularly use their vehicles but do not have adequate parking facilities within their buildings. Such a measure, he argued, could allow authorities to regulate roadside parking without imposing the same financial burden on households that lack private parking space. The proposal is part of a broader attempt to address Bengaluru's longstanding parking and traffic management problems.

The minister has urged the government to reconsider the proposed annual residential parking charges and conduct wider consultations before finalising the rules. He has called for discussions involving Bengaluru MLAs, resident welfare associations, other organisations and relevant government officials. The draft proposal is likely to remain a subject of debate as the government weighs stricter parking regulation against concerns over affordability and the availability of alternative parking facilities.

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