URA's reply, 24 Dec 2014
Newton Food Centre carpark to have electronic parking
We thank Mr Ray Teo Guat Choon for his letter ("Thumbs down for coupon parking at Newton Food Centre"; Forum Online, last Friday).
We agree with him that the Electronic Parking System (EPS) provides greater convenience to motorists, and we have been implementing it progressively at our off-street carparks.
The carpark next to Newton Food Centre is certainly on our list of carparks to be converted to EPS. We will dovetail the implementation with future public works in the area to minimise inconvenience to the public.
Ong Kim Chwee Director (Car Parks, Administration and Policies) Urban Redevelopment Authority
Letter, 19 Dec 2014, Straits Times Online
Thumbs down for coupon parking at Newton Food Centre
Newton Food Centre is an icon and a must-go eating place for visitors to Singapore. Hence, I wonder why its carpark has still not been automated.
The coupon parking system spoils the dining experience. If diners cannot find seats or if the food comes late, they have to rush to the carpark to place fresh coupons.
The system, which allows drivers to park in blocks of 30 minutes, also penalises those who wish to park for only a few minutes to buy food.
Adopting the Electronic Parking System boosts productivity as it does away with the need for painstaking checks by parking attendants.
Can the authorities comment if there are any plans for automated parking at the food centre?
Ray Teo Guat Choon