The number of the roadside parking spaces through the “Yitingche” system is expected to increase to over 50,000 from the current 20,000, according to the city’s transport bureau in response to the city’s lawmakers.

The “Yitingche” system has positively eased the traffic congestion and kept the parking order since it was put into use in 2014. However, the increasing number of vehicles brought parking difficulties in the city, causing citizens’ concern when driving outside, especially to destinations in the CBD.

To target the issue, the city’s lawmakers pledged to add more roadside parking spaces and improve the charging and management mechanism to enhance roadside parking service during this year’s annual session of the city legislature in April.

By the end of October, the city had added over 2,800 roadside parking spaces and the roadside parking system is upgrading its hotline service to add 16 customer service staffers, as well as introducing a voice robot to develop intelligent services. The service hours will be extended to 24 hours a day from the previous 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Another hot topic for parking issues is roadside parking payment. According to the city’s transport bureau, a new payment method will be piloted at 800 to 1,000 parking spaces in six areas in Futian District including Zhuzilin, Futian South and Jingtian South. Each space will have a QR code which citizens can scan to complete payment.