SHILLONG, July 8: The implementation of parking fees at the busy Laban market has sparked mixed reactions among residents and motorists, with several questioning the manner in which the charges are being collected while others say the fee is justified if it helps regulate parking and improve traffic management.
Although the parking fee was initially fixed at Rs 40 and has reportedly been reduced to Rs 20 following public feedback, many residents contend that the controversy is not about the amount being charged but about the way the system is being enforced.
According to several motorists, parking attendants are collecting the fee from vehicles that stop only briefly to drop off or pick up passengers, unload groceries or make quick purchases before immediately driving away. They argue that such temporary halts should not be treated as parking.
A resident who frequents the market said it was unreasonable to charge motorists who occupy the roadside for only a minute or two.
“I have no objection to paying a parking fee if I actually park my vehicle and use a parking space. But if I stop for less than a minute to drop someone or collect a few items before leaving, I don’t think that should be considered parking,” the resident said.
Another commuter shared a similar view, saying parking attendants often approach vehicles almost immediately after they stop.
“Sometimes you’re still inside the vehicle and preparing to leave, but someone is already asking for the parking fee. It gives the impression that every vehicle entering the area has to pay, whether it is parked or not,” the commuter remarked.
Several residents also questioned whether there are any official guidelines specifying what constitutes parking and whether there is a minimum duration a vehicle must remain stationary before a fee can be collected.
“There should be a clearly displayed policy. If someone parks for 20 or 30 minutes, charging a fee is understandable. But there should be a distinction between parking and a brief stop to load or unload goods,” another resident said.
Some shoppers expressed concern that the present system could discourage people from visiting the market, particularly senior citizens, families and those making quick purchases.
“Many elderly people cannot walk long distances. They need to be dropped close to the market entrance. If motorists are charged even for a quick stop, it becomes an inconvenience,” one resident observed.
However, not everyone is opposed to the parking fee. A section of residents believes that charging for parking is necessary to manage the increasing number of vehicles in the congested market area.
One resident said that before the parking system was introduced, vehicles were often left for hours, reducing the availability of space for other motorists.
“If the parking fee encourages vehicle owners not to occupy spaces for too long, then it serves a purpose. Twenty rupees is not unreasonable if the vehicle is actually parked,” the resident said.
Another motorist agreed that organised parking is essential in a busy commercial area like Laban.
“The market is always crowded, and without some form of regulation there would be complete chaos. Parking charges are acceptable provided they are collected fairly and uniformly,” the motorist said.
While supporting the concept of paid parking, some residents also raised concerns about the responsibilities of parking attendants. They pointed out that despite collecting parking fees, attendants generally do not accept responsibility for the safety or security of vehicles parked in the designated areas.
“Once you pay the fee, there is still no guarantee if your vehicle is damaged, scratched or stolen. The attendants usually say they are not responsible for any loss or damage. If that is the case, people naturally question what exactly they are paying for besides being allowed to occupy the space,” a resident remarked.
Others echoed similar concerns, saying there should be greater accountability if fees are being collected from the public.
“If a parking fee is charged, there should at least be some level of responsibility for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of vehicles. At present, motorists are paying the fee but remain entirely responsible for their own vehicles,” another resident said.
Residents also suggested that the local authorities install signboards clearly outlining the parking rules, the approved parking charges, the duration for which the fee is applicable and the responsibilities of both motorists and parking attendants. They believe such measures would reduce misunderstandings and ensure that the system operates in a transparent and uniform manner.
Many have urged the concerned authorities to review the implementation of the parking fee system and issue clear instructions so that motorists are charged only when they genuinely occupy designated parking spaces for a reasonable period.
While the reduction in the parking fee from Rs 40 to Rs 20 has been welcomed by many, residents maintain that transparency, fairness and proper enforcement remain the key issues. They hope the authorities will address the concerns through clear guidelines that strike a balance between effective parking management and convenience for the public.
