People's Democratic Party criticizes proposal to fine drivers for unpaid parking

As previously reported, the Tashkent city administration has proposed amending the Code of Administrative Responsibility to introduce a new provision imposing a fine of two base calculating amounts (UZS 824,000) for non-payment of paid roadside parking.

The draft law has been published for public consultation by the capital's administration.

In a statement, the People's Democratic Party said the Tashkent city administration does not have the constitutional right of legislative initiative to propose amendments to national codes, noting that such authority is reserved exclusively for the entities listed in Article 98 of Uzbekistan's Constitution.

The party also argued that the relationship between a parking operator and a driver is governed by civil law rather than administrative law. In its view, if a driver fails to pay for parking, the operator should recover the debt through the courts instead of seeking administrative penalties.

"The practice of introducing unjustified fines should be abandoned," the party said.

The statement further argued that using the state's administrative enforcement mechanism to secure revenue for a commercial entity is incompatible with the principles of the rule of law.

"Administrative liability, including fines, may be imposed by state authorities only to protect public and common interests," the party said.

The People's Democratic Party also questioned the reliability of the city administration's claim that only 2–3% of drivers pay for roadside parking. It noted that the authorities have yet to disclose data on revenue generated by paid parking or the amount transferred to the state budget.

The party called on executive authorities to focus on improving conditions for residents rather than expanding penalties and collecting fines.

The draft law will remain open for public discussion until July 28. According to its explanatory note, the proposed amendments are intended to address low payment discipline among drivers and the absence of legal liability for failing to pay for roadside parking.