more-in KOCHI: A parking policy for the Greater Kochi Region drawn up by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) proposes technology-driven smart parking management to optimise and streamline parking facilities. The proposed system will provide advance information on availability of parking lots through internet and phone. Smart parking strategies necessitate the installation of a parking guidance and information system. The information on availability of parking space in each facility will be garnered based on the count of cars parked or from ticketing machines with the aid of sensors. The data will be sent to the central computer that will process and determine locations where parking spaces are available. “Smart parking will help in the efficient management of parking in an area and will avoid spill-over parking. Various technological options are available to meet parking demands, ranging from conventional ramp type to fully automated type,” the policy says. It recommends that parking fees collected should be utilised for building infrastructure, devising methods and strategies for parking management as well as financing and upgrading various mass public transit modes. Registration A steep hike in registration fee has also been recommended to discourage registration of new vehicles. The policy proposes to encourage sharing of facilities and introduction of the transfer of development rights, tax subsidies, and capital subsidy, if needed. As a ploy to eventually free up space allotted to parking, levy of user fees or impact fee has been recommended for parking on roads and public spaces. For violations and deviations such as not providing space for parking in buildings, the developer or the owner of the facility or property concerned shall be made to pay an impact fee to the relevant authority. Incentives to employees in government and private sectors for using public transport system have also been recommended in the policy.

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