>> Precious little space for parking in Hanoi
>> Hanoi toughens up on parking
Despite a growing public outcry, parking lots in Hanoi continue to raise fees, ignoring pricing regulations.
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| People must bargain for reasonable prices to visit Tran Quoc Pagoda |
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| Illegal parking lots at Thanh Nien Streeet |
Taking advantage of a large number of visitors in recent days, fees at most of the parking lots around Tran Quoc and Huong pagodas, Quan Thanh and Tay Ho temples have increased sharply; sometimes ten times higher than the regulated levels.
The city authorities have asked districts to deal with this long-existed problem, but the illegally high prices remain.
The money changers in front of the temple
On the afternoon of February 11, when an influx of people came to pray at Tran Quoc Pagoda, illegal parking lots were set up along Thanh Nien Street. The fees for motorbikes ranged from VND5,000 (USD0.24) to VND15,000 (USD0.72), and not less than VND40,000 (USD1.93) for a car.
Although two signs indicating parking lots are located in front of the pagoda, no fee tables are visible there, forcing visitors to bargain for reasonable prices as they take their vehicles.
A worker at one of these lots said that the VND5,000 regulation applies to normal days, but not to holidays, adding that, “People are lucky to find parking here for VND5,000. Most places around here will not take less than VND10,000 (USD0.48) per motorbike.”
Le Van Tuan, an airline worker, said that, “It is unacceptable when each visitor has to pay up to VND5,000-VND10,000 just to go to a pagoda. All this money is being made by someone, but who knows where it’s really going?”
Parking fees are higher at Tay Ho Temple. In spite of the regulation price of just VND2,000 (USD0.096) per motorbike by the municipal Tax Department, people are forced to pay between VND10,000-VND20,000 (USD0.96) per motorbike, and VND30,000 (USD1.44) and VND50,000 (USD2.41) for a car.
Many visitors say that they’ve received rude replies from parking staff, to the effect of, “If you don’t want to spend the money on parking, you should come the pagoda another day!”
Nguyen Thi Tra of Gia Lam District, Hanoi, said, “At this time every year visitors to the Tay Ho Temple are “pickpocketed” by parking lots. Nevertheless, local authorities have not taken necessary actions to resolve the matter. These parking lots have no right to increase prices ten times above the legal levels.”
She estimates that she had spent around VND100,000 (USD4.83) in parking fees after visiting four pagodas and temples - namely Ha Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Tay Ho Temple and Quan Thanh Temple. “All these visitors will end up paying a huge combined sum,” she pointed out.
The problem is not unique to inner-city parking lots. Those in suburbs are also imposing exorbitant fees. Huong Pagoda in My Duc District, for example, is charging anywhere from VND8,000 (USD0.38) to VND10,000 (USD0.48) for a motorbike, while Tram Gian Pagoda in Chuong My District is taking VND5,000 (USD0.24).
Strict punishments to be imposed
According to Nguyen Phuc Quang, Chairman of Tay Ho District People’s Committee, the district has assigned forces to check parking areas round-the-clock during Tet.
Regarding illegal fee hikes, Quang said, “We have not yet caught anybody red-handed but have heard reports from public. All parking lots are required to purchase business licenses from the city’s Tax Department. We have strict punishments for those who violate the rules, and their licenses may be revoked.”
Nguyen Chi Thanh, Deputy Head of Huong Pagoda Festival’s Organising Board, said, “In reality, parking lot staff do collect more money, adding extra fees for the keeping of helmets, charging for certain activities at the pagoda itself. We’ve warned tourists not to be taken advantage of.”
According to Thanh, the regulation fees of between VND2,000 (USD0.096) and VND3,000 (USD0.14) is too low. He says one must consider how long motorbikes remain in the same space. The Huong Pagoda management board has asked the city that the ceiling be raised to VND6,000 (USD0.28) for motorbikes. He emphasised that any violations would be reported to the district People’s Committee.
Nguyen Manh Hien, Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee, said the city will deal sternly with the violators, disclosing that Chairman Nguyen The Thao will personally direct agencies and departments in settling the issue.
