Many historical sites in the centre of Hanoi have been used as parking lots, particularly in the Old Quarter.

Part of Kim Lien Temple in Dong Da District has been turned into a parking lot which keeps hundreds of motorbikes every day.   

There is a sign at the parking lot saying that the parking is for temple visitors only, but in reality, the majority of the vehicles being kept belong to staff of nearby companies. 

Parking fees are not printed on tickets and the level for each motorbike is VND5,000 (22.7 cent), higher than the city’s regulated fees.

Vice chairman of Phuong Lien Ward Tran Vu Dai said that the parking lot was managed by Kim Lien Temple’s management board. 

The parking lot is only allowed to keep vehicles for visitors. Local authorities would inspect the parking violations mentioned by newspapers.

The problem is more rampant in the Old Quarter. The pavement section in front of Dong Thanh Temple on Hang Vai Street, Phuc Kien Temple on Lan Ong Street or Quan De Temple on Hang Buon Street have all been used for illegal parking lots.

The parking lot at Quan De Temple is always crowded even when there is a small number of visitors to the temple. 

The parking fees for motorbike is up to VND10,000 (45.4 cent) each and the parking lot is just around 40 metres far from Hang Buom Ward’s police station.   

Dang Dinh Bang, head of the Hanoi Old Quarter’s management board, admitted that the three historical sites of Kim Ngan Temple, Quan De Temple and the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre have been used as parking lots.

According to a representative from Hang Buon Ward’s police, there were many unlicensed parking lots due to high demand and density in the Old Quarter. The police had issued fines for many violators. 

However, in many cases, those fined do not come to the local police station.

The parking lot at Kim Lien Temple

At Quan De Temple

In front of Kim Ngan Temple on Hang Bac Street    

dtinews