HCM CITY – HCM City plans to increase the parking fees for automobiles that park on roadsides and sidewalks in District 1, 3, 5, 10 and 11 to VNĐ20,000-40,000 (US$0.9-1.8) per hour.

Under a Department of Transport plan, which has been submitted to the People’s Committee for approval, the parking fee will be calculated by the hour instead of for parking once like now. Vehicles are charged a mere VNĐ5,000 now.

The plan envisages two different fees depending on vehicle type. The first is for automobiles with up to nine seats and trucks weighing up to 1.5 tonnes; the second group is for automobiles with 10 -16 seats and trucks weighing between 1.5 tonnes and 2.5 tonnes.

The parking fee for the first group is VNĐ20,000-25,000 per hour for the first and second hours, VNĐ25,000-30,000 for the third and fourth hours, and VNĐ30,000-35,000 from the fifth hour onwards.

The fees for parking overnight will be VNĐ120,000-150,000.

For the second group the fee will be VNĐ25,000-30,000 per hour for the first and the second hours, VNĐ30,000-35,000 for the next two, and VNĐ35,000-40,000 from the fifth hour onwards. Overnight parking will cost VNĐ150,000-180,000.

The fees are 10-20 per cent higher than the average parking fees lots at malls, high-rise buildings and offices, according to the Department of Transport.

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

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

If the plan is approved, the city estimates it can collect VNĐ31 billion ($1.4 million) a month, according to the department.  – VNS