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The Transport Department announces that the maximum fee of the on-street parking meters will be revised from the existing $4 per 15 minutes to $2 per 15 minutes with effect from July 11 (Sunday).

The Revenue Bill 1999, which sets out the revenue proposals of the 1999-2000 Budget, was passed with amendments by the Legislative Council on July 8, 1999. The Legislative Council voted down the clause on the proposed increase in the maximum on-street parking meter fee.

Also, the Legislative Council passed an amendment to the Bill to the effect that excess meter fees collected do not have to be refunded. On-street parking meter fees therefore have to be adjusted downward correspondingly. The revision arrangement aims at revising meter fees with the minimum disruption to the general public.

Transport Department has devised the following conversion programme to introduce the new parking fees:

* effective from 10 am on July 11, 1999 (Sunday) for the Sunday/public holiday-operated parking meters;

* effective from 8 am on July 12, 1999 (Monday) for the non-Sunday/public holiday-operated parking meters.

Notice of the new parking fee will be displayed on each individual parking meter. Motorists are advised to read the notice before making payment.

For inquiries about the arrangements for the revision, motorists may call the Tunnels and Parking Division of the Transport Department during office hours at 2829 5332 or the hotline of the parking meter management contractor, Hong Kong Parking Limited, at 2318 0616.

End/Friday, July 9, 1999

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