Residents Claim Paid Parking Outside Their Houses Unfair, But Others Disagree

Most residents who responded to the Sunday Times say that it's unfair having to pay for parking on roads right in front of their homes. The same argument has come up again after the announcement that public car park rates were set to rise starting this December.

Car owners can expect to see short term parking fees increase from $1 to $1.20 per hour outside the restricted zone (RZ) in the city area, while rates within the RZ will cost twice that much. Season parking rates will also see an increase from $65 to $90 for a first car, and $80 to $100 for extra cars.

Some have asked for paid parking in landed estates arguing that residents in private estates are more likely to own more than one car, and others are claiming that it "smacks of a culture of envy".

Transport Researched Lee Der Hong from the National University of Singapore has something to say regarding people who park on the road directly in front of their houses: "They park on the road and the road is a public space. If we consider parking as a commodity, then it must come with a price."

The Sunday times headed to three private housing estates: Simpang Bedok, Upper Thompson, and Sembawang. Cars were parked along the roads, which partially blocked traffic in certain areas. Dust bins and flower pots were also placed on the roads to "reserve" the spot for some of the resident's vehicles.

Residents claim they park on the road because it was more convenient, and most were against the idea of paying for their makeshift parking spots.

50-year-old Mr. Kobu Kotaraju owns a car, which he parks outside his home near Sembawang Shopping Centre. He argued that HDB housing is already subsidised for those who live there, but it's not the same for private property owners.

Mr. Sebastian H, who owns three cars which he parks inside his home in Upper Thompson, expressed his frustration at non-residents parking outside his home, but he doesn't think charged parking was the solution. "I think when there are facilities, then it makes sense to pay for parking but there are no parking facilities here," said the 40-year-old banker.

Residents in Simpang Bedok also said that many people visiting the HDB estate also choose to park at the private estate because it was free. There were cars parked on both sides of the road during busy times, making it almost impossible to navigate the two-lane road.

"If they draw parking lots here, I'd pay (for season parking) if it'll stop others from parking here," said 48-year-old housewife who identified herself as Mrs. Tan.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said there has to be a balance between meeting parking needs and allowing enough space for smooth traffic flow in private estates.

"There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The LTA adopts a consultative approach by working with the Neighbourhood Committee, grassroots leaders and resident groups," said an LTA spokesman. However, the LTA did not provide an example where paid parking was implemented after a general consensus from residents.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said paid parking at private estates are available, but only in areas near food outlets, sports facilities, and other commercial establishments. Policies are subject to change, and are open to review in case parking demand has to be managed.

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