Next-gen parking meters with new payment methods

Authorities will start installing a new generation of on-street parking meters late this year, replacing the existing parking meters which have been in use since the year 2003 and are approaching the end of their serviceable life. 

The LegCo has passed “The Road Traffic Legislation (Parking Spaces) (Amendment) Bill 2019” today, provide a legal basis for the operation of a new generation of parking meters with additional features. 

Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said the new parking meters will accept multiple payment methods including FPS and credit cards.

“Motorists could also make remote payment for parking time units through a mobile application instead of walking back and forth from the parking meters,” he added.

The new parking meters will be equipped with sensors to detect whether individually metered parking spaces are occupied. Real-time information will also be provided to assist motorists in finding vacant on-street parking spaces.

Lawmaker Frankie Yick Chi-ming, who represents the transport functional constituency slammed authorities for demolishing government car parks in recent years, causing a shortage of parking spaces, urging authorities for better transport planning.