Reducing Car Parks and Increasing Parking Fees in Central Business District

Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Minister for Transport whether the Government will reduce car parks and increase parking fees in the central business district so as to control the private vehicle population.

Mr Lui Tuck Yew: Parking is indeed a useful tool to manage private car usage. Although the Government does not currently regulate parking fees, car parking requirements in the Central Business District (CBD) have been progressively lowered over time in line with the development of the public transport network. In 2002, LTA lowered parking requirements by about 20% for commercial buildings in the CBD. In 2005, LTA and URA allowed developments in the CBD to provide up to 20% fewer parking spaces than what the standards require. In 2008, URA allowed building owners to convert the surplus car park lots above the prevailing standards to other uses, such as offices. It will take some time for these provisions to take full effect, but we will continue to engage and facilitate building owners who are keen to convert their excess car park lots to other uses.