Chennai’s New Parking Policy Mandates Proof of Parking for Car Buyers
| Chennai’s new parking policy mandates proof of parking for car buyers |
| The vehicle will not be registered unless a parking space is verified |
| The aim is to reduce congestion of traffic and promote public transport |
| Encourages shared parking in private buildings, malls, and gated communities |
| Introduction of residential parking permits through a lottery system |
| Expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in parking spaces |
| A new parking development fee will be imposed on private parking facilities |
| Chennai becomes the first city in India to implement this rule |
The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has introduced a groundbreaking parking policy that mandates proof of parking for new car buyers in the city. This initiative, approved by the Housing and Urban Development Department, aims to tackle Chennai’s traffic worsening. The government wants more people to use public transport to help reduce the problem. According to the new rule, individuals purchasing a vehicle must provide evidence that they have a designated parking space before their car can be registered. The move is expected to reduce roadside parking, which has been a major cause of congestion in many neighbourhoods.
CUMTA member-secretary I Jeyakumar emphasised that many people own multiple cars but have limited parking space, leading to vehicles being parked on roads and causing inconvenience to the entire neighbourhood. By making proof of parking mandatory, the government hopes to regulate excessive car ownership and promote sustainable urban mobility. Chennai is the first city in India to introduce such a policy, setting a precedent for other metropolitan areas struggling with similar issues.
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To address the parking crisis further, the policy encourages shared parking solutions, particularly in gated communities, malls, and other private buildings. This step will increase the availability of public parking and ensure better utilisation of existing spaces. A residential parking permit system will also be introduced for individuals who own vehicles but lack dedicated parking. Specific residential zones with broad roads will be selected for this program, and permits will be issued through a lottery auction system, available monthly or annually.
With the rising number of electric vehicles in Chennai, the policy also recommends expanding the charging infrastructure. It states that at least 20% of parking spaces in both public and private off-street parking facilities should be equipped with EV charging stations. This measure aligns with the Tamil Nadu government’s broader push toward sustainable transportation and cleaner energy adoption.
To strengthen the implementation of this policy, amendments to the Tamil Nadu Combined Development Building Rules, 2019, have been proposed to introduce shared parking regulations. Additionally, a new parking development fee will be levied on private off-street parking facilities that do not allow public access. The revenue collected from this fee will be invested in public transport improvements, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and cycling initiatives, creating a more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
Chennai faces a severe parking crisis, with over 92 lakh registered vehicles as of 2022 but only around 14,000 active public parking slots. The estimated demand for public parking stands at 30 lakh spaces, making it imperative for authorities to implement strict parking regulations. Unregulated roadside parking has increased congestion, making daily commuting challenging for residents. Enforcing proof of parking before vehicle registration is a crucial step in resolving these issues while promoting efficient urban planning.
This step is essential in improving Chennai’s traffic flow and making urban travel easier. By restricting unregulated car ownership, increasing shared parking options, expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, and introducing residential parking permits, the government is taking a multifaceted approach to addressing congestion and improving the city’s livability. With time, these measures are expected to make Chennai a more organised, accessible, and sustainable city for all its residents.
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FAQs
1. What is Chennai’s new proof-of-parking rule?
Before registering a new car, buyers must show proof of a dedicated parking space to reduce roadside parking and congestion.
2. How will this policy help ease traffic in Chennai?
It prevents cars from being parked on streets, encourages public transport, and promotes shared parking in malls and private buildings.
3. What if I don’t have private parking but own a car?
You can apply for a residential parking permit through a lottery system for designated parking zones in the city.