Avoid parking scams: Learn how to identify whether an MCD parking facility is genuine or fake, so you don't have to pay unnecessarily..
How to Verify MCD Parking: In many parts of Delhi, people are often charged excessive amounts in the name of parking fees. Frequently, individuals who have no affiliation whatsoever with the Municipal Corporation also demand payment. In some instances, the moment you park your vehicle, people carrying handheld devices approach you to collect the fee. Given this situation, it is crucial to verify whether the specific location where you are parking your vehicle is, in fact, an authorized MCD parking site. By exercising a little caution, you can protect yourself from parking-related scams. Let's find out how.
How to Distinguish Between Genuine and Fake MCD Parking?
Speaking exclusively to NDTV on this subject, Advocate Abhimanyu Kumar of the Supreme Court of India explained that the easiest method is to check online. To do this:
Visit the official MCD website: mcdonline.nic.in.
Click on the 'Online Services' option located on the right-hand side of the website.
Navigate to the 'MLF Payment - Parking Management System' section.
Next, you will find the 'Know Your Parking Site' option located at the top right corner of the page.
Clicking on this will open a map displaying all the authorized parking sites across Delhi. Simply clicking on the specific pin corresponding to the location you wish to verify will reveal relevant details, such as the name of the contractor, the operating company, and other pertinent information.
This Method Will Also Prove Useful
In addition to checking online, the authenticity of a parking site can also be verified by examining the information board displayed at the location. Advocate Abhimanyu notes that, according to MCD regulations, every authorized parking site must display an information board at its entrance. This board must clearly display the MCD logo, the name of the parking site, the name of the contractor, and the validity period of the contract. If a specific location lacks such a board, the parking facility may be considered suspicious or unauthorized.
How to Determine if a Parking Slip is Genuine or Fake?
Advocate Abhimanyu explains that there is also a specific method for verifying the authenticity of a parking slip. According to MCD regulations, parking slips cannot be issued manually (handwritten). Instead, slips must be issued exclusively through handheld devices that are integrated with the 'MyParking' App. This slip contains details such as the serial number of the parking lot, the vehicle registration number, the duration of parking, the fee charged, the name of the contractor, and the validity of their license.
What is the Fee?
The parking fee is standardized. At standard MCD parking facilities, a fee of approximately ₹20 per hour—up to a maximum of ₹100 (for 24 hours)—may be charged for four-wheeled vehicles. For two-wheelers, the prescribed rate is ₹10 per hour, capped at a maximum of ₹50 (for 24 hours). While these rates may vary in certain specific locations, no amount exceeding the stipulated limit can be collected.
What to Do If Asked for an Excessive Amount?
If anyone demands a sum exceeding the prescribed fee or attempts to extort money, immediately obtain the parking slip and preserve a photograph or video recording of it. Subsequently, a complaint can be lodged via the MCD 311 App, email ([mcd-ithelpdesk@mcd.nic.in](mailto:mcd-ithelpdesk@mcd.nic.in)), or the helpline number 155305. In serious instances, the matter may also be reported to the police helpline at 112.
Thus, with a little awareness and the right information, you can easily protect yourself from fraudulent practices carried out in the name of parking services.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
