A paid parking contractor at the city’s Rock Garden was found fleecing people by illegally charging Rs 10 instead of Rs 5 on Sunday. Also, he was charging Rs 20 from vehicles with registration numbers from outside the city.
When a HT staffer, who visited the parking lot, objected to paying Rs 10 instead of Rs 5, the attendant said, “You pay only Rs 5.”
Surprisingly, the entry ticket does not mention any amount, but a board affixed outside the lot mentions Rs 5 as the parking fee for four-wheelers.
Every day, around 300 vehicles make their entry to the lot, but on weekends, the number increases to 500.
Terming it a serious issue, UT chief engineer SK Chadha said, “The parking contractor cannot overcharge. We will take strict action, if anyone approaches us with a complaint.”
On the other hand, Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Mullanpur, claimed that he was charged Rs 20 instead of Rs 5.
In spite of making complaints several times, no action had been taken so far.
However, when contacted, paid parking contractor Pardeep Kumar said, “I am not aware of overcharging, but will look into it.” Another visitor Gopal Sharma said, “The parking contractor staff are fleecing people for the past several months, but the authorities concerned have never taken action. We even brought the issue to the notice of authorities, but in vain.”
{{/usCountry}}However, when contacted, paid parking contractor Pardeep Kumar said, “I am not aware of overcharging, but will look into it.” Another visitor Gopal Sharma said, “The parking contractor staff are fleecing people for the past several months, but the authorities concerned have never taken action. We even brought the issue to the notice of authorities, but in vain.”
{{/usCountry}}Counter point
The parking contractor cannot overcharge. We will take strict action, if anyone approaches us with a complaint. SK Chadha, UT chief engineer.
I am not aware of overcharging by the staff, but will look into the matter.
Pardeep Kumar, parking contractor.