Unauthorised parking of lorries and heavy vehicles at a commercial area in Mukim Berakas was ordered to cease after it was found to contravene Section 23(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act, Chapter 248.
The Planning Authority said the parking of lorries and heavy vehicles constituted the use of public parking spaces without Planning Permission.
The presence of the vehicles reduced the number of parking lots available to the public and other tenants, with parking areas in commercial and industrial zones intended as common-use facilities for both the general public and tenants.
The Authority noted that the parking of lorries and heavy vehicles may pose safety risks to road users due to their size and operational nature, in addition to affecting the orderly appearance and overall environment of the commercial area.
Following routine monitoring and inspection, the owner or operator was found to have complied with the Authority’s directive by removing the lorries and heavy vehicles from the affected parking area.
The Authority reminded the public that any form of development or change of land use without Planning Permission may pose safety risks and jeopardise public welfare.
Section 23 of the Act stipulates that no person shall carry out development on land, subdivide or amalgamate any land, or undertake any works without Planning Permission.
Failure to comply may result in enforcement action, including a fine of up to BND200,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, an additional fine of up to BND10,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.
Members of the public may contact the Department of Town and Country Planning hotline at 8200222 for complaints or planning-related advice.