The Road Traffic Legislation (Parking Spaces) (Amendment) Bill 2019 was gazetted today (November 15).
The Bill seeks to provide a legal basis for the operation of a new generation of parking meters with additional features.
In her 2017 Policy Address, the Chief Executive announced that, as a "Smart Mobility" initiative, the Government would install a new generation of on-street parking meters. The new parking meters will replace the existing parking meters, which have been in use since 2003-04 and are approaching the end of their serviceable life.
The new generation of parking meters will accept multiple electronic payment means. Motorists could also make remote payment for parking time units through a mobile application. New parking meters will be equipped with sensors to detect whether individual metered parking spaces are occupied. Real-time information will be provided to assist motorists in finding vacant on-street parking spaces. The sensors will not collect any personal data or vehicle identification numbers.
A spokesperson for the Transport and Housing Bureau said, "Upon passage of the Bill, the Government will install the new parking meters in phases. It is expected that installation will be completed in about two years' time starting from the first half of 2020."
The spokesperson added, "The Bill also stipulates that the Government will cease accepting refund applications for e-Park cards with effect from January 1, 2022. Holders of e-Park cards should apply for refunds by the deadline. Details will be announced in due course."
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on November 27.
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