the goan I network
VASCO
Several people from Vasco have complained about the parking of several Rent-a-Car (RaC) and Rent-a-Bike (RaB) vehicles in the port town, claiming that these vehicles have filled up parking spaces and have inconvenienced locals in the city.
Speaking to The Goan, many locals have said RaCs and RaBs occupy parking spaces throughout the day at main locations near the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) building, market and bus stand.
Activists have now warned that if MMC fails to initiate action against RaCs and RaBs, people would act and deter parking of these vehicles in city limits.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, social activist Preetam Queloscar said he has to move around the city several times in a desperate bid to park his vehicle.
“RaCs and RaBs are issued permits only after they show parking space for their vehicles and their office to the transport department. If they have shown their own parking space, why are they parking their vehicles in public spaces,” asked Queloscar.
“Where are we locals supposed to park? If they don’t have valid parking space, their permits must be cancelled immediately.
“Some RaC and RaB owners even create a ruckus if someone else tries to park in the open spaces as if the area belongs to them and is reserved for them. The MMC and traffic department must immediately initiate action on these owners and write to the transport department to cancel their licences,” said Queloscar.
MMC Councillor Nilesh Navelkar said the MMC had received several complaints regarding RaCs parked right outside the MMC building.
“I wonder how have they got permits from the transport department if they don’t have valid parking space for their vehicles. Vasco is already facing severe congestion of space and the MMC also is partly responsible because there are certain locations where handcarts have been placed in parking areas.”
“These RaCs and RaBs do business by parking in unauthorised areas and strict action has to be initiated against them,” said Navelkar.
