Society

Beijing to raise parking fees

By Zhao Chunzhe (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-01-25 14:41
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Parking fees in Beijing are to be raised after the number of vehicles in the city exceeded four million, the Beijing Times reported today.

Beijing's municipal authorities will charge a higher fee to vehicles entering the downtown area and the scheme is expected to start in two to four months, Huang Wei, vice mayor of Beijing, said at a news conference.

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Members of the public will be encouraged to take part in the discussions about the new fees and debate several options available to authorities, according to reports.

"We will take people's affordability into consideration. We are considering adopting a progressive way, the beginning period for parking will be the cheapest, and it will cost higher as you continue to park your car," said Huang.

"We are doing this to encourage people to spend less time parking and give other people more chances," Huang was quoted as saying.