New Delhi: As the MCD prepares budget estimates for the year 2012-13, the cashstrapped agency is planning to double parking rates in the city. Subsequently, the monthly licence fee pro rata is also expected to go up. At present, the MCD parking fee is Rs 10 for the first 10 hours and Rs 20 for more than 10 hours. “The proposal to double the parking rates was under consideration for a long time. Because of the minimal fee, parking lots are under the grip of the parking mafia. Unauthorized parking on roads has become very common, compounding the traffic congestion,” said an MCD official. MCD officials say the move to hike the parking rates is in keeping with the recommendations of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA) — a Supreme Court-appointed statutory body. “As per the recommendation, the parking fee should be exorbitant enough to discourage people from using private vehicles. On the contrary, car sales are increasing by the day and parking space is shrinking,” said the official. But with elections just months away, MCD councilors don’t want to take any chances. Pooh-poohing the move, standing committee chairman, Yogender Chandolia said, “Haphazard, illegal parking has become the norm. The common man is already bearing the brunt of high taxes and now the executive wing is thinking of increasing parking rates. Officials should first ensure that there are adequate parking lots in the city. It is just a way to increase their own revenue.” To break the iron grip of the parking mafia, MCD has even advertised 108 new parking sites, which were up for bidding. Over 250 unauthorized parking lots have also been regularized. “Doubling the parking rates will boost MCD’s revenue. The agency has not been getting any income from unauthorized parking lots while parking managers have been minting money,” said the official.