LookAtVietnam – A one-year pilot programme to allow private companies to provide vehicle parking services has been a success, but overcharging is still a problem.

Motobikes at a parking lot in Ly Thai To street, near the old quarter of Ha Noi. Private vehicle parking companies in the capital tend to increase service charges.

However, one issue of concern among vehicle owners was that some companies demanded higher parking fees than those regulated.

“Although the listed fee was VND2,000 per motorbike,” said Thu Hang, 22, of Hoang Mai district, “I usually have to pay VND5,000 or even VND10,000 in the evening when shopping in Hang Dau street.”

At a motorbike parking site in Nguyen Xi Street customers were required to pay VND3,000 a time, unless you were a foreigner and then you paid more.

John, a foreigner working in Ha Noi, parked his motorbike there twice a week and was charged VND4,000.

Increased

Urban Management’s Tam said the overcharging often occured at weekends or on holidays when the parking demand increased.

Unlicensed residents often stepped in to take advantage of this and charged high parking fees without ensuring, service, quality or security.

In once such case, expensive motorbikes parked at an illegal site nearby Hoan Kiem lake on September 2 disappeared without trace, “a warning for everyone”.

Those people who parked with fly-by-night operators, did so at their own risk.

Tam added that people who observed breaches in parking practices or fees should call the company whose name and telephone number should be posted at the site or report it to the nearest police station or wards’ People’s Committee.

Before the pilot programme, People’s Committees used to assign officials’ relatives to provide the service, or residents did it without permission, Tam said.

So when violations occured the authorities ignored them or punishments were minor. Now, under the programme, the authorities controlled and managed the parking activities more seriously and closely.

“If authorities and relevant agencies, such as police and civil servants, tighten their management and supervision the limitations and breaches will be tackled,” Tam said.

Currently, there are 282 licensed vehicle parking sites in Hoan Kiem district, including 170 for bike/motorbike and 112 for cars.

The total parking area of more than 29,000 sq.m is under the management of both the Hoan Kiem People’s Committee and the city’s Department of Transport.

Five companies are allowed to provide the vehicle parking service in the district.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News