‘We’re forced to park illegally’

January 8, 2023

'We're forced to park illegally'

‘We’re forced to park illegally’

CITY dwellers have long faced parking problems in commercial areas in the Klang Valley, with many saying this is why they park illegally when they find parking spots that have been “reserved” by business owners, causing a shortage in public parking spots.

But this is not the only issue faced by residents as well as those visiting or working in the federal capital. The shortage of parking spaces, high parking fees and traffic congestion due to patrons’ and commuters’ search for parking spots add to their everyday woes.

Due to development in commercial areas, more businesses, like food and beverage outlets, are being opened, attracting more human traffic and worsening congestion.

Mall patron Steve Thevar, 45, said most public parking spots in Bangsar were taken up by staff or employees who work in the area as there were no designated parking bays for them.

“Before developing any malls or commercial blocks that are centres for trade and leisure, the number of staff should be taken into consideration by local councils and those involved in the construction.”

He said some business owners put up cones or obstacles to “reserve” parking spots.

DISYORKAN UNTUK ANDA :

Whether these business owners legally get approval from Kuala Lumpur City Hall or do so illegally, he believed the parking spots should be for the public.

“Most public parking spaces are taken up by people who work in the area, making it nearly impossible for shoppers and patrons to park.”

When asked for his thoughts on local councils taking stringent action by compounding errant motorists, he said: “You make us commit a crime (parking illegally when there is not enough spots), then you give us a summons.

“How is that sustainable, when those responsible for the commercial areas want us to come?

“Both the authorities and businesses should work together to resolve the matter and not always blame patrons.”

Lawyer Sheikh Zulhemi Sheikh Zuljallalu, 33, and businessman Syed Yasser Amir Alhady, 34, both said finding parking spots in the city was a headache, especially during lunch hour.

Sheikh Zulhelmi said: “You want to relax during lunch, but then you need to go through the hassle of finding a parking spot.

“If you’re lucky, you’ll only take five to 10 minutes to find a parking spot. But I have experienced taking up to an hour or more just to find a parking spot.

“If I want to get something real quick, I may need to park illegally if the area is busy. But I risk getting a summons. So I often decide to use e-hailing services, but then there are price hikes during peak periods.”

Syed Yasser said he preferred parking in secure places even if they cost more as he is worried that his car might get hit.

Customer service executive Taylor Chaw, 26, said: “There are public parking spaces at my workplace, but the spots are always

taken. I have to park at office buildings with exorbitant rates, up to RM39 per day.

“I agree with choosing safe parking spaces. If I have to spend more money, at least I know it’s safe.”

The New Sunday Times reached out to City Hall about solutions to the longstanding parking issues in commercial centres in the city, but there has been no response yet.

Recently, Johor Baru Mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said premises caught placing obstacles on parking spaces that are under the Johor Baru City Council to “book” those spots face a fine of RM500.

This is in response to complaints about property owners who try to “reserve” parking spots for their patrons.