XN000022-1972-06-07 — Page 37

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Wednesday, June 7, 1972

Meters might also be installed to regulate parking in some of

the more built up areas in the New Territories, he added.

"In addition, new meters will be installed in areas where

the demand for parking is clearly exceptionally high and the existing

meters so displaced will be moved to other areas being metered for the

first time.

"Over and above this, as from July 1, a start will be made to

extend meter charging to midnight and to include Sundays and public

holidays."

The following is the full text of the Financial Secretary's

statement on car parking charges:-

"Honourable Members will recall that in the Budget Speech on

1st March this year I proposed increased charges for the use of Government

multi-storey and open air car parks.

"I also indicated that consideration was being given to extending

the numbers of parking meters as well as the hours of operation of meters

and to charge different rates in each area according to demand.

"In my speech winding up the budget debate on 29th March I

indicated that, in view of the reluctance of honourable Members to accept

the case for these new charges, their introduction would be deferred

for a month or two to give more time for reflection.

"Sir, in the intervening period the Government has conducted &

meticulous re-examination of the costs and revenue of each of the six

government multi-storey car parks and this has confirmed that, at present

/rates of