Since the beginning of the year, 28 cases related to insults or other inappropriate behavior towards paid parking inspectors have been filed in Tashkent courts. This averages more than one case per week. Courts have already issued rulings on 26 cases, while 2 are under review; one of them remains unresolved because investigators cannot contact the defendant. This was reported by representatives of Poytaxt Parking, the operator of paid on-street parking in the capital.
The company noted that the most common incidents are insults, especially against deaf-mute inspectors, who make up the majority of employees. Drivers do not hesitate to insult even women, both verbally and with gestures. They push inspectors, tear up and crumple payment notices, throw them in their faces, and attempt to snatch tablets (there have been cases of broken devices). A previous report mentioned an incident where a driver tried to run over an inspector.
Currently, the company employs 54 deaf-mute inspectors (out of a total of about 90), including 14 women. By the end of the month, another 6 employees are expected to be hired. Some employees with hearing and speech impairments previously worked informally as 'parking attendants' on the streets.
Jahongir Toshpo‘latov, the company's general manager, stated: 'We take every case of insults and attacks on our employees very seriously. Regardless of who the driver is, we will ensure that all cases reach court.' According to him, some drivers realize their mistake, apologize, and ask not to take the case to court, but the company maintains a firm stance.
All inspectors are equipped with body cameras that record events online. They also have a voice communication function, allowing the company's monitoring and security service to address drivers directly. In the event of an incident, service representatives promptly arrive at the scene. The recordings are used as evidence in court.
Courts usually handle cases promptly, but in some instances, proceedings are delayed for unclear reasons. The company is forced to repeatedly contact various authorities and send complaints via hotlines and the 'portal' (Presidential People's Reception).
Toshpo‘latov admitted that some inspectors leave the company due to stress from interacting with drivers. Despite ongoing training, the burden is difficult to bear. The company plans to hire a psychologist to support inspectors.
Poytaxt Parking emphasizes that deaf-mute inspectors approach their work with great responsibility. For many, it is not just a job but a sense of belonging to a cause that benefits society.
Below are several specific cases. On February 7, on Yakub Kolas Street, deaf-mute inspector Hilola Dulonova recorded a BYD car. The driver insulted her. The court hearing took place only 2.5 months later, on April 21. The 41-year-old driver A.R. was found guilty of insult and fined 8.24 million soums.
On February 23, on Yangi Qo‘yliq Street, deaf-mute inspector Ahmad Axmedov noticed a billboard installed on the paid parking lot. The owners of the establishment insulted him. A woman was found guilty of petty hooliganism and fined 1.236 million soums.
On April 29, on Parkent Street, deaf-mute inspector Sohib Jo‘rayev recorded a Tesla car and notified the driver. The dissatisfied man insulted the inspector and broke his tablet. The defendant left the country, and law enforcement cannot contact him.
On June 13, on Zulfiyaxonim Street, deaf-mute inspector Mansur Po‘latov recorded a Matiz car. The driver pushed the inspector and insulted him. The court found the 30-year-old driver guilty of petty hooliganism and sentenced him to 7 days of arrest.
On June 17, on Sodiq Azimov Street, deaf-mute inspector Dinura Fotihxo‘jayeva recorded a Tracker car. A man insulted her. The identity of the 56-year-old driver has been established, and the case is under review.
Poytaxt Parking faces damage to paid parking infrastructure almost daily. Since the beginning of the year, 85 cases of vandalism have been recorded. Representatives of various companies and organizations, as well as residents, break and cut down road signs, curbs, sidewalks, and stop blocks.
The company appeals to law enforcement to take action under the article on intentional destruction of property. In some cases, perpetrators are identified, and courts impose fines and order compensation for damages. However, in many cases, perpetrators cannot be identified, and cases remain unresolved.
Toshpo‘latov emphasized that damage to parking equipment is not about private property but about city property: 'Yes, as an investor, we install this equipment at our own expense, but under the project terms, it is eventually transferred to the city's balance sheet. Therefore, damaging parking infrastructure is damage to the city and its residents.'
Source: www.gazeta.uz