Motorcyclists to be charged by the minute at HDB, URA car parks

Motorcyclists will soon be charged on a per-minute basis, instead of being subject to the current per-entry rate of 65 cents, when they park at Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) car parks that use the Electronic Parking System (EPS).

The flat rate of 65 cents is inexpensive but those who enter multiple car parks in a day, such as despatch or delivery riders, may still chalk up considerable parking charges, said National Minister Khaw Boon Wan in Parliament yesterday. “Apparently, they bear such cost, and not their employers,” he told the House as he accepted Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah’s suggestion to revise EPS parking rates for motorcycles and charge on a per-minute basis.

Motorcyclists are currently given a 10-minute grace period at EPS car parks before they are charged. Cars are already being charged on a per-minute basis at such car parks.

The revised charges will not exceed what the motorcyclists currently have to pay, the authorities said yesterday. In addition, the National Development Ministry will introduce an enhanced Season Parking Ticket that will allow motorcyclists to park in all HDB and URA car parks for a flat monthly fee. “We will make sure it is affordable,” Mr Khaw said. The HDB and URA are working out the details and will announce the changes in the second half of the year. Sumita Sreedharan