Deputy CM orders crackdown on illegal parking fees across state
Patna: Bihar deputy CM and urban development and housing minister Vijay Kumar Sinha issued strong directives on Tuesday to all municipal bodies to curb arbitrary and illegal parking fee collections across the state.
Sinha emphasised that “arbitrary parking fee collection will no longer be tolerated” in municipal corporation and council areas. He highlighted ongoing complaints received by the department regarding unauthorised charges being levied, even on vehicles merely passing through roads, rather than parked at designated spots. Instructions were issued to the officials concerned that parking fees must be collected strictly in accordance with the officially prescribed fee schedule.
In a video statement, the deputy CM emphasised that all parking facilities within municipal jurisdictions must prominently display the official parking fee schedule, clearly indicating the charges applicable to different types of vehicles. “The parking fee structure must be hung there for everyone to see — what fee applies to which vehicle,” he said, stressing that this is essential to prevent confusion and exploitation.
Sinha further reiterated that no parking fees can be collected from vehicles merely passing by on the roads, describing such collections as completely unacceptable. “Parking fees will not be collected from vehicles passing by unless they enter the parking area and park there,” he asserted, noting that numerous complaints about such unauthorised demands reached the department.
He directed all municipal administrations to strictly enforce this rule and confirmed that letters are being sent to district magistrates to ensure compliance at the district level as well. A key highlight of his message was the complete exemption for hearses. “Whether a hearse is parked in the parking area or passing by anywhere, no fee will be charged from them at all,” he said, calling the previous practice inhumane and illegal.
Framing these measures as part of the “double-engine govt” and its commitment to easing people’s lives, Sinha linked the reforms to the broader vision of CM Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi for a prosperous and developed Bihar.
The deputy CM stressed the need for regulation, transparency and accountability in parking management. He directed municipal commissioners and executive officers to enforce these measures without delay and warned of strict action — including disciplinary proceedings — against any officials, contractors, or individuals found violating the rules.
Sinha emphasised that “arbitrary parking fee collection will no longer be tolerated” in municipal corporation and council areas. He highlighted ongoing complaints received by the department regarding unauthorised charges being levied, even on vehicles merely passing through roads, rather than parked at designated spots. Instructions were issued to the officials concerned that parking fees must be collected strictly in accordance with the officially prescribed fee schedule.
In a video statement, the deputy CM emphasised that all parking facilities within municipal jurisdictions must prominently display the official parking fee schedule, clearly indicating the charges applicable to different types of vehicles. “The parking fee structure must be hung there for everyone to see — what fee applies to which vehicle,” he said, stressing that this is essential to prevent confusion and exploitation.
Sinha further reiterated that no parking fees can be collected from vehicles merely passing by on the roads, describing such collections as completely unacceptable. “Parking fees will not be collected from vehicles passing by unless they enter the parking area and park there,” he asserted, noting that numerous complaints about such unauthorised demands reached the department.
He directed all municipal administrations to strictly enforce this rule and confirmed that letters are being sent to district magistrates to ensure compliance at the district level as well. A key highlight of his message was the complete exemption for hearses. “Whether a hearse is parked in the parking area or passing by anywhere, no fee will be charged from them at all,” he said, calling the previous practice inhumane and illegal.
Framing these measures as part of the “double-engine govt” and its commitment to easing people’s lives, Sinha linked the reforms to the broader vision of CM Nitish Kumar and PM Narendra Modi for a prosperous and developed Bihar.
The deputy CM stressed the need for regulation, transparency and accountability in parking management. He directed municipal commissioners and executive officers to enforce these measures without delay and warned of strict action — including disciplinary proceedings — against any officials, contractors, or individuals found violating the rules.
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