Truckers and medium-vehicle drivers in Phuentsholing are not happy with the recent hike in the parking fee of the truck parking area designated by the Thromde. The fee has increased by over five times more.
The new parking fee came into effect from last Saturday. From Nu.50 for 24 hours it increased to Nu.265. Drivers using the parking space said the new rate decided by the Thromde office is not reasonable.
“For those big transport companies and contractors they have their own area for parking. But for those who park here are all from lower income and cannot afford private parking spaces,” said Tshering Nidup, one of the drivers. He also said Thromde office did not even discuss with the drivers before fixing the rate”
Another driver added that the increase has come at a time when their business is dwindling.
“We bought the trucks on loan and there is not much work because of increasing number of trucks. As a result we have to compromise on the transportation charges despite increasing diesel price,” said one of the truckers, Gembo Dorji.
As a solidarity move against the hike, the truckers have also drafted and signed a petition to the Thromde office asking for consideration.
However, the Thromde has rejected their application saying that the rate was fixed through tendering of the parking fee collection contract and then passed by the Thromde Tshogde.
