CAR PARKS FOR NEW BUILDINGS ALONG BALESTIER ROAD

Mr R. Sinnakaruppan asked the Minister for Communications if it will be made mandatory that new buildings along Balestier Road will have their own car parks, in view of the lack of car parks in the area and the traffic congestion.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: Our current policy requires building developers to provide sufficient parking spaces to meet parking demand generated by the development. However, where it is technically not possible to provide sufficient parking lots, LTA will have to waive this requirement. If problems with parking arise as a result, LTA will, in consultation with URA, explore turning suitable sites in the vicinity into public carparks.

The developments along Balestier Road are normally on small sites presently occupied by a few shophouses. It has been difficult for them to comply with the full parking provision requirements. Through feedback and suggestions from grassroots leaders in the Moulmein CCC, URA opened a new surface car park of 59 lots in May and 15 kerbside lots in August this year to make up for the shortfall in car parking lots.

LTA surveys showed that the new car parking lots are not well-utilised yet, probably because motorists are not familiar with them. They expect the situation to improve as the new car parks become more well-known to visitors in the area. I will ask the various agencies to monitor the situation closely and take remedial action if necessary.