Thimphu Thromde’s recent notification which states that vehicle owners who fail to make parking fee payments would be publicly named in local media with their details has received mixed reactions from the public. However, some people have labelled the move as a naming and shaming strategy which is intruding into their Right to Privacy.
The notification on parking fee defaulters posted on Wednesday has not been met with unanimous approval as some say that this approach violates basic human rights. One of the points in the notification states that people failing to make payments would be named explicitly with their vehicle details. It also states that further legal actions would be taken in accordance with the law.
Some residents who refused to comment on camera said that publicly naming defaulters is not justified and may cause unnecessary harm to individuals who might have genuine reasons for not making payments.
They suggest that a more considerate approach could be effective and respectful of their privacy.
“Sometimes when we leave the parking lot, fee collectors would not be there as they would possibly be collecting fees elsewhere. Making a phone call to remind vehicle owners of their unpaid fees could be a reasonable approach. So, I think it is not necessary to post the owner’s name and car details on media,” said Jigme Sherab, a resident.
Likewise, some also say that rather than naming defaulters in media, parking fee collection duration should be extended beyond 9 pm as some of them stay in town beyond 9 pm.
However, parking fee collectors feel this approach is necessary to deter individuals from not paying parking fees.
“On one side, I think it is necessary to do that. We work every day from 9 am to 9 pm and we wait till 11 pm sometimes but they still won’t show up. There are also some car owners who frequently change their parking areas and refuse to pay,” said Jigme Zangpo, a parking fee collector.
According to the Thimphu Thromde, this is a necessary approach as it has been found that some vehicle owners deliberately wait till 9 pm to avoid paying parking fees.
The office clarified that it only applies to those vehicles parked before 9 pm. Vehicles parked after 9 pm are not obligated to any parking charges according to the office.
Meanwhile, law professionals said that the approach, if implemented could lead to complications as it would contravene laws in the country concerning the Right to Privacy.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Kipchu
