SHILLONG, July 10: The Dorbar Shnong of Laban in Shillong has defended the collection of roadside parking fee, stating that it was introduced under the directives of the government, which fixes the rates.
Recently, The Shillong Times highlighted public concerns over the collection of roadside parking fee in parts of the city.
Edward Kharwanlang, the Rangbah Shnong of Laban, said the parking fee, initially fixed at Rs 40 per vehicle, was reduced to Rs 20 by the government following representations by the Dorbar, which received numerous complaints from residents.
Clarifying the issue of accountability, he said that the Dorbar Shnong does not assume responsibility for any vehicle that is damaged, stolen or vandalised while parked in designated roadside parking spaces. He explained that vehicles are parked entirely at the owners’ risk, as neither the government nor the Dorbar has any legal obligation to provide security or compensation.
The parking system is managed through the Dorbar Shnong-appointed contractors who collect the fee and oversee the designated parking areas. The revenue generated is shared between the Dorbar and the government, with 80 per cent retained by the Dorbar Shnong and the remaining 20 per cent going to the government.
Addressing complaints that motorists are charged even for brief stops, Kharwanlang said a five-minute grace period had been introduced. Vehicles parked for less than five minutes are exempted from the fee, but those occupying a parking space beyond that limit are charged the standard Rs 20.
Kharwanlang said that the regulated parking system had helped reduce roadside congestion and indiscriminate parking while making movement easier for motorists and pedestrians.
According to him, contractors incur daily operational expenses, including wages for parking attendants, making fee collection necessary to sustain the system.
Residents are divided on the issue.
Angel Jyrwa, a resident of Nongthymmai, stressed that parking fee should be introduced only where absolutely necessary.
She argued that residents and their visitors should not be required to pay to park their vehicles near their homes. If parking fees are collected, authorities should also ensure the safety of parked vehicles and improve parking infrastructure through designated parking spaces and clearer signage, she stated categorically.
Liza Dan of Rynjah expressed support for regulated parking, saying that a reasonable parking fee can encourage motorists to park responsibly and help reduce traffic congestion.
However, she stressed that only the residential areas should be brought under the system after consulting local residents. She called for greater accountability from parking attendants, alleging that some were seen consuming alcohol during working hours.
She further alleged that visitors unfamiliar with an area are sometimes charged more than the prescribed amount. She insisted that the revenue collected should be utilised to improve parking facilities and road maintenance.
Zakariah, a resident of Rilbong, acknowledged that the parking fee helped ease congestion by discouraging unnecessary roadside parking but questioned the fairness of being charged for quick stops for everyday purchases.
He said motorists who pay the parking fee should be assured of the safety of their vehicles and suggested introducing different rates for short-term and long-term parking instead of a flat charge.
The debate has brought to the fore differences in parking policies. Unlike Laban, localities such as Laitumkhrah, Mawlai and Nongthymmai do not levy roadside parking fees but motorists are fined if they park in designated “No Parking” zones or violate existing traffic regulations.
With opinions sharply divided, residents say that there is a need for a uniform and transparent parking policy across Shillong—one that balances effective traffic management with fairness, accountability and the interests of both residents and motorists.
