Saturday 19 October 2013

Parking facility in PJ misused

Motorists in Petaling Jaya are upset by the way a public carpark in the area has been misused.

The facility in Jalan Lampan 8/3, Section 8, is operated by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).

It is located across the Petaling Jaya district police headquarters.

Following complaints, StarMetro visited the site and saw the cause of the public’s anger — wrecked cars occupying the precious bays.

A source said most of the wreckage were from accident cases. The situation is said to have been going on for about 10 years.

This has deprived the public of the much-needed parking space, especially in the busy Section 8 commercial area.

During peak hours, the carpark is fully occupied, leaving some motorists driving in circles in desperate search of an available bay.

A business operator in the area who did not want to be named, said the abandoned vehicles were towed away by the council about three years ago, following complaints.

“However, soon after, the problem resurfaced with even more wrecked vehicles left to rot here.

Those who work or live nearby believe tow-truck operators are the culprits.

“Tow-trucks have been seen bringing vehicles involved in accidents and parking them here, while waiting for them to be sent to workshops for repairs.

“In some cases, where the vehicles cannot be salvaged, they are left lying here for years,” he said.

The source added that the tow-truck operators worked round-the-clock from a tent put up near the parking area.

He said the damaged vehicles were usually brought in at night.

The facility in Section 8 is not a closed carpark and does not have a boom gate.

When contacted, Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Puasa Md Taib said MBPJ would check on the situation soon.

“It is not right that public parking space is used to keep wrecked vehicles.

MBPJ Enforcement Department director Mohd Fauzi Maarop said the council would tow away the vehicles to the council’s garage in Sungai Way today.

“We contacted the police but they have no knowledge of this wreckage.

“We will also seek help from the Road Transport Department to locate the owners and issue notices. If left unclaimed, we will send the vehicles to the scrapyard,” he added.

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