Finding a metered parking space in Hong Kong is not easy. After all, the scarcity of parking spots did not happen overnight. So, the Transport Department (TD) announced that 12,000 new parking meters have been installed in phases since January 2021 - 1,500 new parking meters will cover all 18 districts of Hong Kong in the first phase. As of July 2021, a total of 4,345 new parking meters are now in service. TD predicts that it will finish replacing all parking meters with new ones by the first half of 2022. TD will also push out a mobile application named 'HKeMeter' to complement the new meters. With this, you'll be able to pay the parking meter at a distance. Today at Kwiksure, we'll teach you how to register and use the new HKeMeter app.
The new parking meters in Hong Kong carry out the following functions:
Besides the existing option to pay with your Octopus card, they also support 12 other payment methods:
The parking meter's 'longest parking period for each transaction' is fixed at 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours. At most, you can only remotely renew this 'longest parking period for each transaction' (including your initial parking fee payment) once. For instance, a 2-hour transaction can only be extended to a maximum of 4 hours. After which, you must pay your fees at the parking meter in person. With the same registered account, you can park for up to 24 hours maximum.
This provides useful, real-time information to help you find empty parking spaces. You can also search for relevant information on the HKeMeter app, HKeMobility app (both the mobile and web versions), and the Data.gov.hk website.
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While the new meter comes with more functionality than the old ones, there have been large-scale malfunctions in January and July 2021.
According to a number of media outlets, the new parking meters didn't sync properly with HKeMeter. In addition, its speed in updating information on real-time parking space availability is inconsistent. Sometimes, even the wrong information shows up on the app! An old meter being seen as the new meter, and an occupied space being mistakenly displayed as vacant are two examples.
Netizens worry that some will use multiple phone cards to extend their parking time remotely. Not only will the app not alleviate parking space scarcity, but it will also increase instances of hoarding. Still, others believe that instead of increasing the number of parking meters, bumping up the amount of parking spaces, or reducing the number of car licenses awarded are more effective.
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The above information is for reference only. Kwiksure takes no responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the information. For the coverage, mode of compensation, benefit limit and premium levels of any specific insurance plan, please refer to the relevant policy terms.
Eric is a content creator for Kwiksure, responsible for writing articles on various topics such as cars, travel, domestic helpers, etc., striving to provide readers with detailed and practical information.
With over 20 years of experience in the media industry and driving, Eric has worked for several newspapers, magazines, and online media outlets. Apart from his passion for writing, he also enjoys the pleasure that driving brings. On average, he drives over 40,000 kilometers per year.
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