Major markets: Lack of parking space irks Pindiites

RAWALPINDI: The issue of parking places in busy markets of Rawalpindi has worsened as a large number of Eid shoppers have started to flock shopping centres.

The shoppers are finding it difficult to get space in parking lots.

In many congested areas including Saddar, China Market, Commercial Market, Tench Bazaar etc vehicles could be seen parked on roads, disrupting smooth flow of traffic.

Shakir Zia, a shopkeeper in China Market, said “parking has become a serious issue and it is bound to worsen in the coming days. The absence of parking space in markets results in long traffic jams, as people park their cars on roads.”

“In Saddar only a few plazas have parking space in basement and charge Rs20 per hour and double parking charges after every hour,” said Amna, who was visiting a busy market in the area.

“We shopped and had dinner that took three hours and I had to pay Rs60 for parking,” she said.

A traffic police officer said, “The traffic department has outlined a plan for easing traffic snarls in many areas. We need the citizens’ cooperation to use the available space to the optimum. Drivers and motorists should use available space carefully.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.