Maharashtra has been actively implementing measures to address the growing traffic chaos in its cities. Following the proposal to mandate parking slots for new vehicle registrations, the state is now considering a new policy to limit the number of cars per family. However, it remains unclear whether this policy will apply exclusively to metropolitan cities or extend across the entire state, as the idea is still in its early stages.
This move comes in response to the worsening traffic conditions in the state, where many families own multiple vehicles. The proposed policy aims to tackle issues such as parking shortages, traffic congestion, and rising air and noise pollution. The state government is also exploring plans to overhaul the existing vehicular mobility system, particularly in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and other urban areas.
Other Policies The State Is Considering
Additionally, the government is also considering heavy congestion taxes, restricting vehicular traffic in congested areas like south Mumbai and other business districts where parking space is the major issue, among other measures. Though the proposal is at a nascent stage, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has asked the department to consult all the stakeholders and before finalising it.
As per various reports, the department will hold deliberations with the stakeholders and weigh in on the legal aspects over next three months. During the discussions, the state government will also hold discussions on the other points, sourced from global practices. They are also tapping idea of heavy taxation on motors and vehicular restrictions in specified areas.
Exceptional Vehicle Policies Around the World
Many developed countries have implemented strict measures to address traffic issues effectively. For instance, Japan requires a “garage certificate” to purchase a new car, ensuring the buyer has adequate parking space. Similarly, Singapore introduced a vehicle quota system in 1990 to control car population growth. Under this system, a “certificate of entitlement” allows car ownership for a 10-year period.
In China, several cities enforce vehicle purchase restriction policies, which include quota systems and auctions to regulate car sales. Meanwhile, London’s congestion tax of £15 for a 39-square-kilometer zone has successfully reduced vehicle numbers by 20%. Stockholm also imposes a toll on a 35-square-kilometer area to manage traffic flow and limit vehicle movement. While New York and Zurich restrict vehicle access during peak hours or allocate parking on the city outskirts. These measures highlight innovative approaches to curbing urban traffic congestion worldwide.
‘Parking Area’ Certificate To Register New Vehicles
Under this plan, car buyers will need to obtain a Certified Parking Area (CPA certificate), issued by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and certified by the transport department, as proof of their parking arrangements. The policy will apply to new vehicle registrations and cars older than 15 years when renewing their fitness certificates. However, two- and three-wheelers will be exempted.
Why The Governments Are Considering ‘Restrictions’
Governments are considering certain restrictions so as to tackle the traffic woes and control the rapid increase in the number of vehicles. which has caused parking shortages and worsened road congestion. Officials believe the CPA will complement ongoing investments in improving public transport across the state.
How Netizens Reacts
The recent proposal by the Maharashtra government to cap the number of cars per family has sparked a lively debate among netizens. While some supported the move, suggesting that it could significantly reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, others criticized it as restrictive and impractical. Many users argued that the government should focus on incentivizing public transport usage and investing in advanced technologies like sky trains to address the city’s growing population and mobility challenges.
Good idea. Full support to this.
Also, they should incentivize those using public transport regularly.
— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) January 12, 2025
“Instead of improving infrastructure or expanding roads, the government wants to dictate how many cars a family can own. Makes total sense,” one user commented sarcastically, emphasizing the need for a more balanced and futuristic approach. The mixed reactions highlight the growing public concern over sustainable urban planning and the need for innovative solutions to tackle Mumbai’s traffic woes.
Simply incentivizing people to use public transport isn’t a solution at all.
The existing public transport infrastructure is already struggling to handle the demand. Significant improvements in public transit capacity is needed before we can ask any more people to use public…
— CK32 (@___110010100___) January 12, 2025
A user, Abhay (@Kings_Gambit__), proposed, “Instead, create public underground parking facilities or make work from home compulsory for industries in which it is possible. It will reduce traffic by 30% in peak hours.” This suggestion reflects a growing consensus among citizens that addressing infrastructure and work culture could play a vital role in solving urban traffic issues without imposing strict ownership limits.
Instead create public underground parking facilities or make work from home compulsory for industries in which it is possible. It will reduce traffic by 30% in peak hours. pic.twitter.com/JHSUnb4ycn
— Abhay 𝕏 (@Kings_Gambit__) January 12, 2025
