Individuals and drivers who reserve parking spaces by standing in them could soon be punished with a P2,000 fine. The ‘Mindful Parking Act’ or House Bill No. 11076 was recently filed in Congress, and outlines a series of penalties for people who stand in parking slots.
Rep. Percival Cendaña, the author of the bill, stood firm on the ‘basic principle’ that parking is facilitated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Several posts on social media have gone viral, ridiculing mall-goers and other individuals who stand in parking slots as a way of reserving them for their incoming companions. Aside from the rage and annoyance expressed by social media users, there is a legitimate concern for the safety of the standing individuals—after all, it’s risky standing in a space that cars are meant to drive into. A blind spot or a poorly lit parking lot could mean serious injury for these individuals.
Ultimately, the Mindful Parking Act attempts to reason through common courtesy and uphold a first-come, first-served basis.
According to the bill, an individual who stands in a parking space and the driver who intends to park in said space will be given the following penalties:
Fines proposed by the Mindful Parking Act
- First offense – P2,000
- Second offense – P5,000 and six month suspension of driver’s license
- Third offense – P10,000 and revocation of driver’s license
Malls, restaurants, and other private establishments will also be required to implement policies that will prevent standing parking reservations if the bill is passed. Those that fail to comply with the bill will be fined between P10,000 and P50,000.
What do you think of the Mindful Parking Act? Will it make parking lots safer while helping drivers find spaces?
