By Easwaran Rutnam
Touts have virtually hijacked all parking slots near the Department of Motor Traffic (better known as RMV) at Elvitigala Mawatha, with the police and the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) failing to act despite concerns raised even in the past.
Free designated public parking areas at Elvitigala Mawatha near RMV and by-roads have been taken over by the touts who refuse to allow anyone to park unless they pay.
Residents living near RMV said that even open spaces near their homes are being used by the touts to allow cars to park for a fee, despite no-parking boards being placed in the area.
According to the Colombo Municipal Council only authorised parking wardens can charge the public for parking in public places.
The CMC said that parking wardens are also required to wear specific t-shirts or jackets allocated for parking wardens.
Picture by Indika Handuwala