Retrofitting Multistorey Car Parks in New Estates to Accommodate Taller Vehicles

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development in newer estates, such as Sengkang and Punggol, where surface carparks are scarce (a) whether HDB has considered retrofitting existing multistorey carparks to accommodate taller vehicles; and (b) if not, what are the main constraints to doing so.

Mr Desmond Lee: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) are provided primarily to serve the parking needs of residents. They are built in compliance with the Land Transport Authority's Code of Practice on Vehicle Parking Provision, with height limits sufficient for access by passenger cars and most light goods vehicles. Larger commercial vehicles are generally not allowed to park in HDB MSCPs due to safety concerns and potential disamenities to residents.

Vehicles that are unable to park in HDB MSCPs can park at public surface car parks, commercial and industrial car parks as well as purpose-built heavy vehicle parks instead. For temporary parking needs, such as to facilitate loading and unloading activities, they may also use the loading and unloading bays which do not have height limits.

HDB has no plans to retrofit existing MSCPs to accommodate taller commercial vehicles. Such retrofitting works would require major additional and alteration works or reconstruction of the building, affecting all existing car park users.