VEHICLE PARKING CERTIFICATE SYSTEM (COMPUTERISATION)

Mr Ang Mong Seng asked the Minister for Communications whether his Ministry has any plans to link the Land Transport Authority's Vehicle Parking Certificate System to the related departments/bodies in charge of heavy vehicle parking places in order to provide better service to heavy vehicle owners.

The Minister of State for Communications (Dr John Chen Seow Phun) (for the Minister for Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am pleased to inform the Member that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is currently studying the computerisation of its Vehicle Parking Certificate (VPC) System. The system, when in place, will allow vehicle park operators to be licensed electronically.

Presently, heavy vehicle owners have to obtain a VPC from the heavy vehicle park operator before they renew their road tax. The computerised system will link LTA electronically with heavy vehicle park operators so that heavy vehicle owners who are allocated parking lots can renew their road tax at LTA without having to produce a physical VPC. In addition, heavy vehicle owners can also enquire about the availability of parking space using this computerised system.

The LTA is now exploring the feasibility and cost of the system with a network provider. This is expected to take about four months. LTA is targeting to implement this system by early next year.

Mr Ang Mong Seng (Bukit Gombak): Sir, presently, heavy vehicle owners have to pay $6 for a VPC. With this system, will the vehicle owners have to pay any fee?

Dr John Chen Seow Phun: We are reviewing the system. It is possible that the charges could be either reduced or waived, but we have not made a decision yet.