A big problem in small Bhutan is the parking space, particularly in  the  towns. When we look back through the parking space lens, the urban infrastructure, even if  planned  decades  ago,  had  not  been futuristic. The planners have long gone and are among the group complaining today!

Unless we live up to what we commit often, Thimphu’s parking and road congestion cannot be resolved. It will be no different outside the capital as more and more flock to urban areas in search for better opportunities. This is because our rules and regulations can be twisted, bulldozed by the rich and the influential, while monitoring is the weakest for the longest term.

There are rules. All of them, if implemented, will ease a lot of problems. Take for instance a simple rule like “pick and drop” at school areas during rush hours. One “big” car parked at the spot can cause congestion for an hour. It is evident every morning and the traffic official cannot do anything.

The Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority issued a new notification this week, another attempt to solve an old issue. It says it will penalise people who park on footpaths, pedestrian crossing, along the expressway or on roadsides. If strictly implemented, it will not help ease congestion and ensure uninterrupted traffic flow.

Will they monitor? Will violators be penalised? Are authorities serious about it? These are the questions people ask even as the notification is circulated. This is because even with strict building rules, open public spaces are not open for the public. Footpaths are unfortunately extended parking space for building owners. The widened roads around the capital city are providing parking space for building owners who are under pressure from tenants.

A big problem in the current situation is the building rules. The rule mandates builders to provide enough parking space for their tenants, at least on space for a car. Nobody bothers about it and authorities turn a blind eye, worsening the problem. The building rules are strict and will help ease congestion if monitored. It is not happening on the ground. The parking space in the architectural and structural drawing once approved is converted into shops and residential space to maximise profit at the cost of others.

This is made worse when a tenant owns more than a car and authorities forget to implement and monitor the rules. Public driveways cannot be parking spaces. The rules old and new say the same. Traffic officials on duty cannot enforce rules because the owner of the car can call his dasho and get scot-free.

If the rules are strictly implemented and fines collected without the intervention of the dasho, both the transport authority or the Royal Bhutan Police (if they can keep the revenue from fines) can earn enough to improve parking facilities or urban infrastructure. We have many rules and regulations in the country.

Not many are strictly implemented. The parking space rule is a good example.