Demand for Heavy Vehicle Parking Space

Mr David Ong Kim Huat asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the current monthly number of applications received for season parking at heavy vehicle car parks; (b) whether there are sufficient heavy vehicle car parks to accommodate the demand; and (c) if not, what plans does the Ministry have to meet the demand for such car parks.

Every month, on average, URA and HDB receive about 430 requests for season parking at their heavy vehicle car parks. LTA will only register a heavy vehicle if the owner has access to a licensed parking lot. This ensures adequacy of supply. Across the island, there are about 40,650 licensed heavy vehicle parking lots to cater to the parking needs of about 33,800 registered heavy vehicles. We expect heavy vehicles to park in industrial areas. That is why the majority of these parking lots are privately operated. For the convenience of some drivers, URA and HDB operate 10,200 heavy vehicle parking lots near some housing estates. Inevitably, the take-up rate for such parking lots is high.

Agencies are exploring new ways to provide heavy vehicle parks where demand is high and where location is suitable. For instance, URA recently sold an industrial site in Woodlands, near Woodlands housing estate, where the developer is required to provide at least 80 additional heavy vehicle lots beyond the usual number required by LTA.

Nevertheless, there are practical difficulties in locating heavy vehicle parks in residential estates, due to potential noise and safety concerns. Sites in residential estates are limited as such land is needed for housing and other community uses. Business owners should ensure that they have parking solutions for their vehicles and not leave the decision to the drivers. They should, for example, have effective transportation arrangements for their drivers between the designated parking lots and the drivers' homes.

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