Broadway parking issue referred to Kochi Town Planning Committee for long-term solution

The Kochi Corporation Council has entrusted the Town Planning Committee (TPC) with conducting a detailed study to find a lasting solution to the parking woes in Broadway, while also taking into account the recommendations of the traffic regulatory committee.

Mayor V.K. Minimol directed the TPC to identify potential space for parking and take steps to relocate street vendors encroaching on pavements in Broadway to designated vending zones, thereby freeing up space for pedestrians. She said the solution should be implemented by November-December, ahead of the busy Christmas season. The issue figured in the agenda of the council meeting held on Thursday.

Ms. Minimol said the traffic regulatory committee had recommended a ban on parking along Broadway and requested the Corporation to convey its decision on the matter. However, the council was generally opposed to a blanket ban on parking without an alternative arrangement being put in place.

Councillor Priya Prashanth said such a ban, without providing alternative parking space, would only shift the problem from Broadway to nearby Menaka. “The Corporation is duty-bound to facilitate trade as well, considering Broadway’s status as a thriving commercial hub,” she said.

Councillor Augustin Sebastian said two-wheelers were being parked in three rows, making it difficult even to walk through Broadway. To make matters worse, the footpath continued to be occupied by vendors, he said.

Councillor Henry Austin insisted on relocating vendors operating on pavements to designated vending zones, pointing out that their presence was adversely affecting the business of shop owners in Broadway. Owing to parking along the roadside and the occupation of pavements by vendors, shops were left with only a narrow entry space, which owners had demarcated using chains. There should be a holistic solution combining designated alternative parking facilities and the relocation of vendors, he said.

The council also decided to invite tenders for the management of parking space within Broadway at the request of shop owners, while making the upkeep of the area and the limit on parking fees part of the tender conditions.