Hong Kong lawmakers suggest cap on parking meter duration, progressive charges
Legislators favour government’s proposal to double metered parking fees, but say more must be done to curb extended hogging of lots
Hong Kong lawmakers have suggested additional measures such as capping the duration a vehicle can occupy a metered parking space and implementing progressive fees, following a slew of recent government proposals to adjust traffic-related charges, including doubling rates at car parks.
Ben Chan Han-pan, a member of the Legislative Council’s transport panel, said on Thursday that he welcomed the proposed parking fee increases, noting that despite the 100 per cent rise in meter rates, the new charges at public car parks remained lower than at most commercial ones.
He deemed the increase “acceptable”, particularly given the exemption for commercial vehicles, which face severe parking shortages.
There were also suggested changes to the licence fee structure and amounts for electric private cars, adjustments to fixed penalties for traffic offences, and doubling parking meter charges from HK$2 to HK$4 per 15 minutes.
Speaking on a radio show on Thursday, Chan highlighted the persistent issue of parking meter abuse, saying some drivers occupied lots for extended periods – sometimes for days – by continuously feeding the meter. Authorities may need to do more than raise fees to deter the practice, he said.
“Parking meters are generally for people to quickly park, perhaps use the restroom, buy a few things, and then leave. They’re for short-term use,” Chan said.