Towing operations resume in Bengaluru

The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has resumed vehicle towing operations across the city after a temporary suspension, targeting illegal parking that disrupts the smooth flow of traffic. Towing was suspended in 2022 after complaints of harassment by towing vehicles.

The decision has been taken in coordination with the Greater Bengaluru Authority to ensure seamless traffic movement and curb violations related to unauthorised parking. Officials said the renewed towing drive came into effect from April 5, and is initially being implemented within the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru Central Municipal Corporation under the authority. The operations will be gradually expanded to cover all municipal areas in the coming days.

Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, at a coordination meeting on Monday, directed traffic police to begin towing immediately in other corporations as well. He said that towing vehicles have already been handed over to the traffic police by the North and Central city corporations, along with a list of vehicles that have been parked on roads for several months. In the first phase these abandoned vehicles will be towed, he said.

“Regulate parking on white-topped and other major roads, allowing it only in designated parking areas,” he told BTP. Sources told The Hindu that this time, towing charges will be added to the bill, which will raise the fine amount. While the fines levied for improper parking go to BTP, the towing charges will be allocated to the respective civic body.