Visakhapatnam: While the lack of parking spaces has become a major cause for concern with a rapid increase in the number of vehicles, irregularities and misbehaviour by attendants at the pay-and-park lots are adding to the woes of motorists.
Motorists allege that attendants at some parking lots issue slips that do not carry any stamp or authorisation details and would begin arguing if anyone objects. One of the major parking lots is the RTC complex. Many are confused over which areas in the complex come under the pay-and-park zone.
“A small shed was erected for ‘pay-and-park’ near the SBI ATM. The contractor is charging vehicles parked even outside the shed,” said Mr M. Abhishek. A fee is being charged now for parking vehicles in the complex area behind the Sairam Parlour.
“You never know when you will be charged for parking here. Sometimes the attendants demand and sometimes they don't. The attendants refused to show any licence or authorisation certificate when I asked them,” said Mr P. Anil, a frequent visitor to the complex. The authorities should put up a display board regarding the parking charges and the areas where the users need to pay for parking, he added.
Moviegoers are seen regularly arguing over the parking fees at some theatres.
The attendants charge more than the fees mentioned on the ticket slip on the pretext that the rate had been recently revised. At Jagadamba theatre, the attendants were allegedly issuing parking slips for '15, but demanding '20 from users. Narava Prakasa Rao, Vizag Film Society secretary, said the theatres were fleecing moviegoers starting from parking fees to snacks sold inside the theatre.
