CAR PARK LOT SURCHARGE (Reduction)

Dr Wang Kai Yuen asked the Minister for National Development whether he will reduce the car park lot levy so that parking lots currently fenced off in private car parks can be released into the market.

Mr Lim Hng Kiang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, since 1975, a surcharge has been imposed on private car park lots in and around the Restricted Zone. The surcharge, currently at $60 per lot per month, is part of a package of measures to reduce traffic congestion in the city by promoting the use of public transport rather than private cars for commuting. The surcharge helps to ensure that owners of private car parks in the city do not set car park charges at so low a level that it becomes more attractive to use cars instead of buses or the MRT.

As the policy of encouraging use of public transport, in preference to private cars, remains valid, it would not be appropriate to reduce the surcharge. Owners of buildings with car park lots in excess of the minimum provisions can, if they wish, apply to the planning authorities for permission to convert the excess space for other allowable uses.