Wan Chai car park closure traps vehicles overnight, sparks dispute

At least 13 drivers were unable to retrieve their cars from a non-24-hour car park on in Wan Chai after it closed at midnight, leading to complaints and police involvement.

The car park at 181 Johnston Road, which operates from 7.30am to 12.30am and explicitly states no overnight service, locked its gates early today, stranding vehicles inside.

Signs at the entrance display the HK$34 hourly rate and operating hours.

Affected drivers, including one surnamed Tse who waited eight hours in his car, returned after midnight only to find the gates closed.

He suspected early closure despite arriving before the stated time.

This morning, when the park reopened, a seven-seater at the exit claimed battery failure, blocking at least five other vehicles and requiring further police mediation.

Staff initially defended the long-standing practice, but after negotiations facilitated by officers, the management company acknowledged shortcomings and refunded overnight fees from midnight to 7am.

The stalled vehicle was moved around 10.30am, allowing others to leave and resolving the dispute.