Three pilot sites to be implemented with mechanised parking systems by 2015

This morning, Er Dr Lee Bee Wah, Chairperson of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for National Development, announced that HDB will be implementing the Mechanised Parking System (MPS) in three pilot sites :

a. Car Park BJ15, beside Block 259A Bangkit Road

b. Car Park Y39, beside Block 666A Yishun Avenue 4

c. Car Park CV1, behind Block 1 Changi Village Road

Background

Currently, HDB takes a two-pronged approach to meet residents' needs for car park spaces. First, HDB is increasing supply, by adding more car park lots where feasible. Second, HDB is also better managing demand, by setting aside more reserved "red-lots" for residents, removing the Night Parking Scheme for non-residents, and implementing Electronic Pricing System (EPS) to increase the turnover of short-term parking demand.

Joint GPC-HDB Study on MPS

In January 2012, Er Dr Lee initiated a joint GPC-HDB study on the viability of mechanised parking in HDB estates in Singapore. The objective is to address local car park shortages in older HDB estates, where there is limited space to build more car park lots.

The study team evaluated different mechanised parking technologies and looked into potential implementation issues such as residents' acceptance, retrieval time and management of breakdowns.

The team visited local commercial and private residential developments which have already implemented mechanised car parking systems to learn from their experience. It also studied experiences in Japan and South Korea, two countries which use such systems extensively to cater to the parking needs of their urban population.

SOURCE

A good initiative to ease the parking woes of car owners. Other than the waiting time and risk of the machines breaking down, I think this is one of the best form of carpark available. It is sheltered, you won't get knocks on your doors caused by stupid people forcefully opening their doors beside your car and you know your car is safe from any form of theft. I await eagerly to see how useful it is when implemented by HDB.