Parking scheme gets trial run

Hanoi (VNA) - The first pilot project on privately-run,
roadside-parking services was launched last week in Hoan Kiem District.

After three months, the project will be assessed for effectiveness. If it
is, it will be applied throughout the rest of the capital.

Six enterprises have been given the job, which is aimed at making streets
look tidy and combating out-of-control parking prices.

The enterprises, chosen from 12 submissions, are in charge of managing
170 parking lots for motorbikes and bikes and another 167 for cars.

The total area they have to mange is 44,000sq.m.

Before the pilot project was launched, the People's Committee of Hoan Kiem
District withdrew the trade permits of about 200 individuals and agencies
involved in parking services.

"Although parking lots are now being managed by fewer organisations, the
total area has increased, thus more vehicles can be handled," said Nguyen
Quoc Hoa, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Hoan Kien District.

In past years, parking lots have caused many problems to city authorities.

Besides those managed by large office, many illegal parking lots were
opened by individuals who set prices much higher than allowed by the
Government.

In addition, vehicles were parked willy-nilly, often causing traffic
chaos.

The six enterprises chosen had to provide feasible and proper plans for
parking lots and ensure that they were hygienic.

They also had to provide an effective financial plan.

All the new parking lots will charge fixed prices: 2,000 VND (0.12 USD)
for a motorbike in daytime and 3,000 VND at night, and 10,000 VND for a car
with at least nine seats.

Each enterprise has from 100 to 200 uniformed employees involved in
running the roadside parking lots from 6am to 10 pm.

Staff have to warn people not to park vehicles in banned areas or on
roadsides, even when doing business.

To make sure the enterprises do their job, the district authority has
ordered each to deposit 200 million VND (11,700 USD) to cover many
violations. Those found guilty of three violations will have their
business permit withdrawn.

According to Tran Nhat Quang, deputy inspector of the city's Department of
Transport, the People's Committee of Hoan Kien District initially signed
three-month contracts with these enterprises.

"The pilot project is expected to help improve the previous, messy
situation. Residents will also benefit because they won't have to pay more
money for parking," said Ngo Quoc Hung, director of Hanoi 's Department
of Transport.

However, there are people who do not welcome the new plan.

Tran Hoang, owner of a parking lot at Dong Xuan Street said that he
and 10 workers did not know what to do to make ends meet.

My main income is form the parking lot. The new plan will leave me empty
handed," Hoang said.