Mangaluru: Rising vehicular density and inadequate parking infrastructure have led to a significant increase in parking violations across Mangaluru, with the city traffic police collecting Rs 12.4 lakh in fines over the past five months from motorists found parking illegally.

According to data released by the traffic police, a total of 8,885 parking violation cases were registered in 2025, resulting in the collection of Rs 47.2 lakh in penalties. In 2026, the trend has continued, with 2,294 cases already recorded so far, highlighting the persistent challenge of illegal parking and its impact on traffic management in the city.

Growing vehicle population adds to parking woes

Mangaluru has witnessed a steady increase in the number of vehicles over the years, placing considerable pressure on the city’s limited parking infrastructure. Although roadside parking is permitted on certain wider roads, several stretches in the city remain too narrow to accommodate parked vehicles without affecting the smooth flow of traffic.

Traffic officials have pointed out that vehicles parked on narrow roads often create bottlenecks, slowing down movement and increasing congestion during peak hours. The issue is particularly severe in commercial areas where parking demand far exceeds available spaces.

Public events worsen traffic congestion

Illegal parking has also become a recurring issue during functions and public gatherings held in convention centres and function halls. Vehicles parked haphazardly along roadsides during such events frequently lead to severe traffic snarls, inconveniencing commuters and emergency services.

Authorities have observed that a lack of designated parking arrangements by organisers often compels visitors to leave their vehicles on roadsides, exacerbating congestion in surrounding areas.

Footpath parking has emerged as another major concern. M G Road, one of the city’s prominent thoroughfares, has repeatedly witnessed vehicles parked on pedestrian pathways, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roads and raising safety concerns.

Several areas emerge as parking violation hotspots

Traffic police records indicate that frequent parking violations have been reported in several parts of the city. Areas including Kadri, Shivabagh Junction, St Agnes, Falnir, Pandeshwar, Ballalbagh to Warehouse Road, Urwa Market Road, K S Rao Road, B T Road and Rathabeedi continue to witness persistent roadside parking offences.

These locations experience high traffic volumes and commercial activity, making them particularly vulnerable to parking-related congestion.

Officials have also noted that many shopping complexes and commercial establishments do not provide adequate parking facilities despite increasing customer footfall. As a result, visitors are often forced to park along roadsides, disrupting traffic movement and causing inconvenience to other road users.

Authorities direct building owners to improve facilities

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) K Ravishankar said authorities have already issued directions to owners of commercial buildings and shopping complexes to ensure adequate parking provisions.

The traffic police have reiterated that strict enforcement against illegal parking will continue in an effort to improve road discipline and reduce congestion in the city. Officials believe that better compliance with parking norms, along with improved parking infrastructure, is essential to addressing the growing challenge posed by rising vehicle numbers.

With Mangaluru’s vehicle population continuing to expand, traffic experts say the city will need long-term solutions, including the development of multi-level parking facilities and stricter enforcement measures to effectively tackle parking-related issues and ensure smoother traffic movement.