<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>Left in a fix by ERP parking in HDB estates
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->INCREASINGLY, carparks in HDB estates have been fitted with Electronic Road Pricing parking systems, which should mean more convenience. These systems, however, are not problem-free.
I had one such experience at the carpark in front of Block 23, Bendemeer Road, managed by Sembcorp.
It was free parking on a Sunday, but the gantry did not go up when I arrived, even though there were six clearly vacant parking spaces. Thinking it was a technical problem, I pressed a button to speak to a Sembcorp officer.
Her reply: The empty spaces were reserved for cars with season parking tickets, and I would have to wait for a car with hourly parking to exit.
I was confused. None of the lots was marked in red for season parking, and no cars would be able to enter because I was first in line.
I was told brusquely to reverse onto the main road to let season parking vehicles through. But this was impossible as there were six cars behind me. Reversing onto the main road would be a violation of traffic rules, and was I supposed to check which car in the line was eligible for season parking?
The officer said she had 'a man in the area' and I asked that he take a look at the situation. She agreed, but no one turned up after half an hour.
This experience left me wondering why there is no standardised way to manage carparks. Are different companies allowed to decide on their own carpark rules and regulations?
Wong Ying Wuen (Miss)
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<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->INCREASINGLY, carparks in HDB estates have been fitted with Electronic Road Pricing parking systems, which should mean more convenience. These systems, however, are not problem-free.
I had one such experience at the carpark in front of Block 23, Bendemeer Road, managed by Sembcorp.
It was free parking on a Sunday, but the gantry did not go up when I arrived, even though there were six clearly vacant parking spaces. Thinking it was a technical problem, I pressed a button to speak to a Sembcorp officer.
Her reply: The empty spaces were reserved for cars with season parking tickets, and I would have to wait for a car with hourly parking to exit.
I was confused. None of the lots was marked in red for season parking, and no cars would be able to enter because I was first in line.
I was told brusquely to reverse onto the main road to let season parking vehicles through. But this was impossible as there were six cars behind me. Reversing onto the main road would be a violation of traffic rules, and was I supposed to check which car in the line was eligible for season parking?
The officer said she had 'a man in the area' and I asked that he take a look at the situation. She agreed, but no one turned up after half an hour.
This experience left me wondering why there is no standardised way to manage carparks. Are different companies allowed to decide on their own carpark rules and regulations?
Wong Ying Wuen (Miss)
How the hell is HDB going to do that kind of painting & repainting every month so as to match the exact number of season parking holder??
