Chandigarh Trader’s Association Addresses Concerns Over New Smart Parking System and Cash Payment Surcharge

The Voice of Chandigarh:

Chandigarh Trader’s Association, Sector 17 (Regd), held a meeting to discuss the new smart parking system that the Municipal Corporation plans to implement in the city very soon.

The Municipal Corporation has floated a tender for the new smart parking system. According to the plan, the first 20 minutes will be free for pick-up and drop-off at the 84 parking lots. Following this, the charges will be Rs 7 for the first four hours for two-wheelers and Rs 14 for four-wheelers.

Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, President of the Association, stated:

“We applaud the decision to implement a smart parking system and fully support the digitalization of the payment process. This will undoubtedly promote transparency and help prevent corrupt vendors and parking staff practices.”

However, Kamaljit Singh Panchhi, LC Arora, General Secretary, and other members, condemned the decision to impose an additional charge of Rs 5 for those paying in cash instead of digitally.

Mr. Panchhi remarked, “This decision will adversely affect shopkeepers, as many customers who prefer to use cash will be deterred from visiting the markets due to the extra Rs 5 charge on every visit. This extra charge will be a penalty for cash users.”

He further emphasized, “The clause imposing an additional Rs 5 fee should be reconsidered, as it will impact the market negatively and result in losses for shopkeepers. While we support the promotion of digital payments, we believe that discouraging those who prefer cash payments is not the right approach.”