Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy has urged the state chief minister D K Shivakumar to reconsider a proposed annual residential parking fee of Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 for vehicles parked on public roads in Bengaluru, saying the levy could impose an additional financial burden on middle-class and ordinary families. In a letter dated August 24 he acknowledged the need to regulate roadside parking in view of a growing vehicle population and worsening traffic, while stressing that the economic condition of ordinary citizens must be taken into account. He noted that many residents live in homes or apartments without adequate parking and cannot absorb a substantial new charge.

The draft GBA (Parking) Rules, 2026 propose an annual residential parking permit fee of Rs 15,000 for hatchbacks, Rs 20,000 for sedans and Rs 25,000 for sports utility vehicles, and indicate that residents who seek to park on public roads outside their homes may have to obtain permits and pay the stated fees. Reddy welcomed efforts to bring parking arrangements under regulatory rules for new building construction but pointed out that older buildings and residential areas often lack space to match the city's current vehicle population. He urged that any regulatory framework recognise these practical constraints.

The minister drew attention to rising costs of essential commodities and increases in cooking gas, petrol, diesel, GST and tolls, saying that many middle-class families already manage home and vehicle loans, children's education, healthcare and daily expenses. He argued that an additional annual parking fee could exacerbate financial stress and indicated support for parking regulation that is fair and proportionate. He proposed exemptions or concessions for ordinary families that do not regularly use their vehicles or that lack parking within their premises.

Reddy recommended wider consultation with Bengaluru legislators, civil society organisations and concerned officials before a final decision, and urged a balance between regulating roadside parking and protecting public interest. He asked that the government consider ground realities and explore measures such as targeted exemptions, graded fees or mitigations to avoid imposing hardship on vulnerable households.