VietNamNet Bridge – Ha Noi is facing a shortage of parking spaces in the lead up to the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, a problem that traditionally leads to overcharging and traffic chaos.

Motorbike parking on Ha Noi's Dinh Le Street. The city is facing a chronic shortage of parking space ahead of Tet. (Photo: VNS)

The department's statistics in April 2010 revealed the city had 360,000 cars and 3.6 million motorbikes.

"The demand for parking has increased four-fold over a decade ago," he said.

"The numbers of both vehicles and buildings are increasing, contributing to the problem."

During holiday periods, large numbers of people visit sites such as Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Noi Zoo and the Old Quarter.

Nguyen Tuan Hop of Dong Da District said he had to pay VND50,000 (US$2.5) just to park his motorbike near Hoan Kiem Lake on the first day of the New Year.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Minh Thang, a driver for an agricultural pharmaceutical company, said it usually took him so much time to look for a parking place that he would often leave his car on the pavement.

Tran Van Duc from Hoai Duc District said he was charged VND15,000 for parking his motorbike near the Ha Noi Zoo where the regulated price is supposed to be only VND5,000 ($0.25).

Nguyen Tuan Anh who lives on Nguyen Khac Can Street in Hoan Kiem District said his street was jammed with people trying to park.

To address the problem, the Ha Noi Department of Transport has drafted a plan to manage parking lots during the Lunar New Year holiday.

"The department will have a meeting with district People's Committees about measures to better manage parking fees," Hai said.

A week before the Tet holiday the department will open a hotline which can be called to complain about parking lots charging more than the regulated fees.

The department has submitted a scheme for creating parking lots in parks, and the Old Quarter during the holiday period to the municipal People's Committee. The regulated prices for motorbike and bicycle keeping will be between VND2,000 ($0.1) and 5,000 ($0.25).

This year inspectors from the department will take turns to check the lots, including those that have previously not increased parking fees for cars and motorbike.

"The inspections weren't implemented strictly, but so many parking lots ended up overcharging customers without being fined," inspector Hai said.

Overcharging parking attendants face fines of VND6-10 million ($300-500).

"If an attendant proves to be a repeat offender, he could have his business licence withdrawn," he added.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News