Where should I park my car?

Dhaka city lacks adequate parking spaces, leaving drivers no choice but to park wherever they can squeeze in, often risking fines or worse. Photo: TBS

It was a regular Friday afternoon when I found myself on Airport Road, stuck between a locksmith's shop and a pair of mini trucks that looked like they had been parked there since the invention of wheels.

I had parked my car just behind them, thinking, "If they're fine here, I should be too."

But how wrong I was! Out of nowhere, a traffic police officer and a sergeant appeared, their eyes gleaming with the promise of a fresh ticket.

"Papers, please," the sergeant demanded. I handed over every document I owned, including a few that weren't even relevant. As I watched them meticulously flip through the files, I was confident there'd be no issues. But then came the verdict: Obstructing traffic!

Looking around, I gestured toward the mini trucks. "What about them?" I asked. The officers exchanged smiles so subtle that you'd think they were auditioning for a toothpaste ad.

Their solution? Either pay Tk1,200 in cash for a "wrecker service" (without a receipt) or accept a Tk2,500 fine.

I chose the ticket because, frankly, I wasn't in the mood to contribute to their unofficial fundraising campaign.

However, this entire ordeal got me thinking: Instead of harassing citizens, why don't the government or the city corporation use situations like this to serve them and earn legitimate revenue while they're at it?

Parking on Dhaka's streets is a nightmare. It's like playing musical chairs, but instead of chairs, you're trying to find a spot that doesn't result in a ticket or a "friendly" interaction with the traffic police. The city lacks adequate parking spaces, leaving drivers no choice but to park wherever they can squeeze in, often risking fines or worse.

What if the authorities offered a proper solution instead of fining citizens? Designated, paid parking spots could solve Dhaka's parking woes. It's a win-win scenario: Drivers would have a safe place to leave their cars, and the government would earn steady revenue.

Imagine this: the government identifies high-traffic areas and converts parts of these streets into official parking zones. These could be marked clearly with signs and digital payment systems, allowing drivers to pay via mobile apps. A fixed hourly rate ensures fairness, and attendants or CCTV cameras can monitor the areas to prevent misuse.

This approach would solve the parking issue and help regulate traffic. Drivers wouldn't randomly pull over wherever they liked, and roads would remain clearer. Plus, proper enforcement could discourage illegal parking, creating a more disciplined driving culture.

Let's crunch some numbers. 

If the government decides to set up 1,000 parking spots across Dhaka, charging Tk50 per hour, and each place is occupied for 8 hours daily, the total would be Tk4 lakh daily. That translates to Tk1.2 crore monthly. It's like finding money in your couch cushions just from parking fees! 

And let's not forget the additional revenue from fines for overstays. Who doesn't love a surprise bill on top of their parking fees? Throw in some extra services like valet parking—or charging stations for electric vehicles— and we could be looking at a revenue bonanza with even the math teachers shaking their heads in disbelief.

This revenue could fund maintenance and salaries, making it a profitable and sustainable project. It can turn the dull driveway into a gold mine! 

But the benefits don't stop at revenue.

Paid parking spots offer a tangible service to citizens already overburdened with taxes. They provide peace of mind, knowing their car is parked legally and safely. Moreover, such a system can integrate with other innovative city initiatives, like traffic management apps showing real-time parking space availability.

For this to work, though, transparency is key. Citizens need to trust that the money they're paying is going toward improving infrastructure and not lining someone's pockets. Clear communication, proper signage, and receipt-based transactions can help build this trust.

The Dhaka North City Corporation once rolled out the "DNCC Smart Parking" app—like a scavenger hunt, but with fewer treasure maps and more frustration! The app claims to help you locate over 5,000 parking spots in Dhaka's Gulshan area. It sounds impressive until you realise half of them might be mysteriously occupied by a parade of rickshaws. 

Parking fees start at Tk50 for private cars, jeeps, and microbuses and just Tk15 for motorcycles. You can park for a fee from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday through Thursday. After that, there is free parking time from 10 pm to 8 am—perfect for night owls! Let's not forget Fridays and public holidays when you can park for free all day. Who knew parking could be a holiday gift? 

The downside? You can't spot any designated parking spots beyond the Gulshan area. It's like searching for a unicorn in a traffic jam! And to keep things exciting, I'm unsure if the app is still working. Maybe it's ousted, too!

The incident on Airport Road was a small but telling example of how urban planning and governance inefficiencies frustrate citizens. By turning problems into opportunities, the government can create a system that benefits everyone. Drivers get a hassle-free parking experience, the government earns legitimate revenue, and traffic police can focus on actual law enforcement rather than playing hide-and-seek with unsuspecting motorists.

So, the next time you ask, "Dude, where's my car?" The answer might be in a safe, secure, government-approved parking spot. Who knows? You might even smile while paying the fee.
 

Shafiq R Bhuiyan is a storyteller who examined the intersection of social progress, effective communication, cultural development, and corporate social responsibility while sharing insights to inspire change. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.