Bengaluru: The much-debated vehicle towing drive is making a comeback in the city after years of being on hold. This time, the Bengaluru Traffic Police will not be alone—BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) will actively participate in the operation to remove vehicles parked in no-parking zones, aiming to clear public spaces and ease congestion.
The towing drive, which had been suspended post-COVID, is set for a re-entry in Silicon City with a revised enforcement model. Instead of private agencies, BBMP staff will handle towing operations. This move is intended to avoid the disputes, public altercations, and vehicle damage complaints that often arose when private contractors were involved.
Under the new plan, traffic police will focus on issuing challans and imposing fines for parking violations, while BBMP teams will carry out the actual towing. Officials have clarified that the existing towing rules will continue, including the mandatory five-minute public announcement before removing any vehicle from a no-parking zone.
Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath directed that BBMP provide vehicles for towing, stating that curbing illegal parking will benefit citizens by reducing nuisance in public spaces. However, some civic voices have stressed the need for public awareness campaigns before resuming full-fledged towing, ensuring motorists are informed about parking regulations and penalties.
With enforcement split between traffic police and BBMP, authorities believe the joint approach will bring more transparency and efficiency to Bengaluru’s traffic management.
