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The following is issued on behalf of the Housing Authority:
The Housing Authority (HA)'s Commercial Properties Committee (CPC) today (November 25) approved a proposal to maintain carpark charges for its 27,400 car parking spaces at 112 non-divested car parks at existing levels.
"In view of the uncertain economic outlook and market perspective, we do not consider it the right time to impose higher charges in HA carparks," explained the Chairman of the CPC, Mr Liu Sing-cheong.
The freezing of charges at existing rates will apply to both monthly and hourly charges for private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles in all regions with effect from January 1, 2009. The full time monthly charges for private cars will be maintained at the current level ranging from $750 to $1,940 depending on the region.
The current rates of $2,210 for covered spaces and $1,710 for open spaces for light goods vehicles, and $270 for covered spaces and $220 for open spaces for motorcycles, will also be maintained.
Meanwhile, the following discount schemes will continue to apply:-
a) 15% discount for monthly pass holders transferred to the "floating allocation system" which aims at optimising car park utilisation through shared use of available parking spaces;
b) 40% discount for evening or overnight parking from 6pm to 8am of the following day; and
c) 50% discount for disabled persons who live or work in public housing estates.
In fixing the hourly charges, the HA's general policy is to maintain a modest level of charges with a view to encouraging patronage of HA shopping facilities. Members considered the existing hourly charges reasonable and endorsed not making changes to them. The day-pass rates for private cars will also be maintained at existing levels.
"Members also approved the continuation of the parking coupon discount scheme with bulk purchase discount of 20% for 50 parking coupons or its multiples to promote patronage," said Mr Liu.
"Various measures will continue to be adopted to improve the occupancy rates of under-utilised carparks and to maximise the utilisation of carpark resources, such as change of use and conversion of parking spaces," added Mr Liu.
Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:45
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