Editorial | New solutions to Hong Kong’s old traffic problems are much needed
Measures to create a fairer parking system should be welcomed while improving traffic flow could help the wheels of commerce turn faster
Traffic congestion in Hong Kong is not as bad as in many other cities. However, the slow movement of people and goods has been bad enough to steadily “erode the environment, sustainability, quality of life and competitiveness”, according to a 2014 government study. More than two decades of work to expand infrastructure and reduce the number of private cars have not tamed Hong Kong’s traffic troubles, so it is good that authorities and lawmakers are searching for new solutions.
Officials have also suggested raising tolls at the Aberdeen Tunnel and Shing Mun Tunnels, changes to the licence fee structure and amounts for electric private cars, adjustments to fixed penalties for traffic offences and doubling parking meter charges.
Hong Kong had around 20,000 metered parking spaces citywide as of the end of 2024. Abuse of the devices is persistent. Some drivers occupy spots for extended periods – sometimes for days – by continuously feeding meters. Others circle around searching for the relatively cheap metered spots, worsening traffic congestion.
If meter fees increase, it would be from HK$2 (25 US cents) to HK$4 per 15 minutes. Lawmakers have suggested restricting the number of hours a car can park in the same spot or a progressive system, so longer stays incur higher fees. Others have called for registering licence plates or even implementing congestion charges or electronic road pricing. Since the 1980s, there have been several trials of such fees on motorists in central areas during rush hour.
Approaches so far have been piecemeal and lacked resolve. Parking fee increases are long overdue and would be the first since 1994. Additional revenue could be timely support for the city as it struggles with a budget deficit and to reinvigorate the economy.