Is the management of parking fees being lax?

(Baonghean) - In the period after Tet (Lunar New Year), temples, pagodas, and entertainment areas attract a large number of people and vehicles. Therefore, parking lots at these locations are almost completely full. However, parking fees are inflated, varying from place to place, and there is no regulation in place.

Everyone for themselves.

In the period after Tet (Lunar New Year), parking fees at amusement parks and temples increase significantly. Car parking costs between 20,000 and 30,000 VND depending on the location. Motorbike parking costs 10,000 VND. At Cờn Temple (Quỳnh Phương Ward, Hoàng Mai Town) on the 7th day of Tet, although the number of people and vehicles wasn't excessively high, parking fees were quite high and varied considerably. Parking a car in the Cờn Temple Management Board's lot cost 20,000 VND per visit, while a private parking lot at the foot of the bridge charged 30,000 VND per visit.

The Thuc Phan An Duong Vuong Temple, located in Dien An commune (Dien Chau district) right next to National Highway 1A, is bustling with visitors during the early days of spring. Ms. Van, who manages the parking lot, said she couldn't count how many cars flocked there after Tet. Because of the Tet holiday, the entrance fee has doubled compared to normal days.

A parking area at Cờn Temple. Photo: Thu Huyền

At entertainment venues such as Vinh City Central Park, Muong Thanh VRC amusement park, and Big C Vinh supermarket, the number of visitors increased significantly after Tet, resulting in a substantial rise in parking. Despite mobilizing family members to assist with parking, the demand remained high. At Big C Vinh supermarket, parking fees remained stable at 15,000 VND per car, with a discount applied to purchases made at the supermarket. However, some markets experienced price gouging. On the first day of the new year, Mr. Thang expressed his frustration at being charged 20,000 VND for parking his motorbike at a private parking lot. "There's no special reason for this; even in the city center, they charge exorbitant fees," Mr. Thang stated.

Despite the high fees, some parking areas are still overcrowded due to the large influx of people. Many people don't hesitate to pay the expensive parking fees to secure their vehicles at the beginning of the year, especially for visiting temples. However, many people are also frustrated by the unprofessional service at parking lots, especially those operating without proper permits, which often overcharge, are irritable, and sometimes move vehicles carelessly, causing damage to customers' cars.

Lax management?

Recently, at a meeting of the Provincial People's Committee, the Provincial People's Committee approved the draft decision on the issuance of parking service fees in the province. Accordingly, the lowest parking fee for bicycles and non-motorized vehicles in cities and plains (excluding vehicles parked at hospitals and schools) is 2,000 VND/trip; in mountainous areas, it is 1,000 VND/trip. The highest fee is for trucks over 10 tons and semi-trailer trucks: 15,000 VND/trip in cities, 14,000 VND/trip in low mountainous areas, and 12,000 VND/trip in high mountainous areas. For cars with fewer than 7 seats, the fee is 10,000 VND/trip in Vinh City and towns; 9,000 VND/trip in plains; and 8,000 VND/trip in mountainous areas. For hospitals and schools, the fee is set at 50% of the regulated rate. However, during and after the Tet holiday, most parking lots charged more than the regulated rate.

High parking fees at festival sites and temples have caused dissatisfaction among many people. (Photo: Archival image)

Mr. Hoang Minh Quan, Head of the Public Asset Pricing Management Department of the Department of Finance, stated: For parking lots that accommodate high-quality vehicles and require higher service standards than regular parking facilities (such as sturdy buildings and surveillance cameras), and for parking lots located at scenic spots, historical sites, and cultural landmarks where visitors often need to park for extended periods: The maximum fee shall not exceed twice the regulated fee for each type of vehicle within the same timeframe. For parking lots not invested in by the State but whose investment projects have been approved by competent State agencies: The maximum fee shall not exceed 1.5 times the regulated fee.

However, the chaotic situation of parking fees has been ongoing for a long time, and in many localities, this is partly due to lenient penalties and lax management by local authorities. Mr. Hoang Minh Quan added: The parking fee collected from services invested by the State using state budget funds: Organizations and units assigned or contracted by the State to manage parking services collect the correct and full amount according to the regulated price and pay taxes according to current State regulations. The parking fee collected from services invested with non-state budget funds is a revenue of the organization or individual. The organization or individual collects the correct amount according to the above-mentioned regulated price and pays taxes according to current State regulations.

Although the Provincial People's Committee has clearly stipulated the parking fees for bicycles, motorbikes, and cars in the area, many organizations and individuals still charge fees exceeding the regulations. This is not only happening at historical sites, but also at fairgrounds, concert venues, and commemorative events in the Truong Thi area (Vinh City), where parking fees are often inflated and charged at any rate. Violations in this area have become widespread, yet there have been no reports from relevant agencies or forces regarding their handling. The fact that parking lots charge excessive fees without reporting their revenue not only harms citizens but also results in tax revenue losses for the state budget.

Thu Huyen