FREE SATURDAY PARKING AT HDB ESTATES

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether the HDB will consider implementing free parking on Saturdays at HDB estates so as to encourage family members and friends to visit one another and to strengthen bonds.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The free parking scheme on Sundays and public holidays operates from 7.00 am to 10.30 pm. It was introduced in 1986 to promote social interaction and foster family ties.

HDB is aware that weekends and public holidays are usually the time when families and friends get together. At the same time, HDB has to be mindful of the parking needs of residents. With the current scheme, HDB has received complaints from season ticket holders that they are unable to find parking lots on days when the free parking scheme is in operation. Where there is a severe shortage of parking lots, the free parking scheme on Sundays and public holidays has been withdrawn to ensure that the parking needs of the residents are met.

HDB currently has no plans to extend the free parking scheme to Saturdays.