Assessing Relevance of 2,000 kg Weight Limit for Season Parking of Commercial Vehicles
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the 2,000kg unladen weight limit for commercial vehicle season parking in HDB car parks, as raised by Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis. Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat explained that the limit remains for safety, as loaded commercial vehicles could exceed structural capacities and obstruct other users. He noted that while such vehicles are generally directed to industrial or purpose-built parks, HDB evaluates surface car park applications on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the Minister highlighted that agencies are currently reviewing how to enhance car park structures to accommodate heavier electric commercial vehicles. This assessment aims to balance evolving vehicle trends with the need to maintain safe and accessible residential parking infrastructure.
Transcript
73 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development in view of the increasing prevalence of larger and heavier commercial and passenger vehicles (a) whether HDB has assessed the continued relevance of the 2,000kg weight limit for season parking for commercial vehicles only; and (b) if still relevant, whether HDB multi-storey car parks are able to withstand the higher vehicular weights.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The Ministry responded to a similar Parliamentary Question raised by the Member at the Sitting in February 2021. Our assessment remains unchanged.
In general, commercial vehicles with unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kilograms are not allowed to park in the Housing and Development Board (HDB) residential car parks for safety reasons. Commercial vehicles can carry heavy loads, unlike passenger vehicles. When loaded, they may exceed the structural capacity that our HDB residential car parks were designed for. In addition, commercial vehicles tend to be physically larger and protrude from car lots, obstruct the view of other car park users and block passengers in vehicles next to theirs from opening their doors.
Commercial vehicles exceeding the weight limit may apply to HDB to park at HDB surface residential car parks, and HDB will consider this on a case-by-case basis. They can also park at commercial and industrial car parks, as well as purpose-built heavy vehicle parks.
We note the increasing prevalence of electric commercial vehicles, which are heavier because of their batteries. The agencies are doing a review on how the structure of our carparks can be enhanced to allow such vehicles.