rAfter a fiery argument over a parking meter space in Tsuen Wan went viral, a citywide discussion has erupted about the misuse of public parking spots by car repair shops.
The concerned parking space on Heung Wo Street is currently cordoned off by police, with several officers stationed nearby.
In an interview with Sing Tao Probe, the female owner of the shop involved claimed that everyone shared responsibility for the incident, noting that tensions escalated as a vehicle was leaving the shop while the driver of another private car attempted to park into the parking space.
Another owner of the shop, Wong, explained that his anger stemmed from insults hurled by the driver, who called him a "bumpkin" due to his influent Cantonese, escalating a minor issue into a heated confrontation.
Wong added the employee involved is currently taking days off.
Car repair shops occupying public parking space
The incident in Tsuen Wan highlights only the tip of the iceberg concerning the misuse of metered parking spaces. Numerous automotive repair establishments have been identified as using public parking areas for their own operational purposes.
Residents reported that some vehicles were parked long-term in on-street spaces on Ha Heung Road and Lok Shan Road, with several staff members even conducting repairs in these public areas, turning the public areas into outdoor workshops.
Multiple residents expressed their dissatisfaction to the reporters, stating that such occupations have made parking more difficult for other drivers.
One of the owners of the car repair shops admitted using 13 parking meter spaces but emphasized that staff were assigned to pay for the parking fees.
In response to reports of vehicles parked beyond the allowed time without payment, he assured that they would bear any fines incurred if staff were late, expressing a willingness to improve their practices to foster better relationships with the community.
Kowloon City district councilor Jimmy Lam Pok indicated that there has been ongoing communication with nearby car repair shops, urging them to adopt more flexible time management when using the parking spaces.
To minimize conflicts, Lam suggested the staff from the shops move their parked vehicles back to the shop when residents return home in search of parking.
Under Road Traffic (Parking) Regulations, any person who parks a vehicle in a parking place for a continuous period of more than 24 hours can result in a fine of up to HK$2,000.
Read more:
Police crackdown in Tsuen Wan continues after viral parking meter feud
Meter madness: Heated clash over parking spot sparks outrage
Kowloon City district councilor Jimmy Lam Pok
