HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh Cityplans to increase the parking fees for automobiles that park on roadsides andsidewalks in District 1, 3, 5, 10 and 11 to 20,000-40,000 VND (0.9-1.8 USD) perhour.

Under a Department of Transport plan, whichhas been submitted to the People’s Committee for approval, the parking fee willbe calculated by the hour instead of for parking once like now. Vehicles arecharged a mere 5,000 VND now.

The plan envisages two different feesdepending on vehicle type. The first is for automobiles with up to nine seatsand trucks weighing up to 1.5 tonnes; the second group is for automobiles with10 -16 seats and trucks weighing between 1.5 tonnes and 2.5 tonnes.

The parking fee for the first group is 20,000-25,000VND per hour for the first and second hours, 25,000-30,000 VND for the thirdand fourth hours, and 30,000-35,000 VND from the fifth hour onwards.

The fees for parking overnight will be 120,000-150,000VND.

For the second group the fee will be 25,000-30,000VND per hour for the first and the second hours, 30,000-35,000 VND for the nexttwo, and 35,000-40,000 VND from the fifth hour onwards. Overnight parking willcost 150,000-180,000 VND.

The fees are 10-20 percent higher than theaverage parking fees lots at malls, high-rise buildings and offices, accordingto the Department of Transport.

This is aimed at restricting the use ofprivate vehicles and encouraging the use of public transport in the city centreto reduce traffic congestion, the department said.

The new rates will be applied on 35 streetswhere parking is allowed on roadsides in Districts 1, 3, 5, 10 and 11.

If the plan is approved, the city estimatesit can collect 31 billion VND (1.4 million USD) a month, according to thedepartment. - VNA