Many people are complaining about the higher parking fees in Hanoi that have taken effect since January 1 while the city continues to lack good public transport.

New parking fees have taken effect since January 1

Motorbike parking fees have risen from VND3,000 (USD0.1) to VND8,000. The fees for cars are VND50,000 for the first two hours, VND45,000 from the fifth hour and VND300,000 for a whole day. Many parking lots in the centre already collected VND5,000 motorbike parking fee during the day and VND8,000 at night. 

Nguyen Dao at Dong Da District said, "The parking fees at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology are already VND5,000 for motorbikes during the day and VND10,000 at night. I wonder if those places will also increase the fees."

Another local, Nguyen Phuong Lan from Cau Giay District said it would cost them hundreds of thousands of VND just to go to a cafe with friends or for business for a few hours. "I know that the hike is to prevent private vehicles from entering the city's centre. But in fact, because our public transport system leaves lots to be desired that we still have to use our cars," she said.

A guard near My Dinh Bus Station said their monthly parking slots were full and only received vehicles by the hour now. The parking fees at the majority of apartment buildings and shopping centres haven't increased yet but it could be just a matter of time.

Nguyen Hong in Hai Ba Trung District said, "Our family has just been informed that our parking fee will increase from VND1.4m (USD61.53) per month to VND2.6m. At this rate, we may have to sell our car."

The Department of Transport Director Vu Van Vien said car owners were the most affected and the most upset. However, most people approved of the rise as it will limit the number of private vehicles in the centre, he said.

"Some people park their vehicles out on the street the whole day to get a drink but they may cause congestion while the government only collect VND30,000. Then there are people with businesses who can't find any empty space left and are forced to accept exorbitant parking fees. The hike will speed up transactions," he said.

Hanoi authorities are helping drivers to get familiar with iParking technology to manage cars and will apply strict penalties to violators.

Vice head of Hanoi Urban Planning and Development Association Dao Ngoc Nghiep agreed with the hike but thought that it needed a slower and more suitable implementation route. Hanoi still lacks good public transport system and parking. According to Nghiep, this plan is hasty, unrealistic and not a long-term solution. People will turn to Uber and Grab Taxi services if they can't afford to park their cars in the city centre.

dtinews