To optimise the use of limited parking space resources, the Government adjusted on-street parking meter charges in September 2025 to increase the turnover of vehicles using metered parking spaces to meet the short-term parking needs of motorists. The EMSD assisted the Transport Department (TD) in updating the system of over 11000 smart parking meters across Hong Kong, ensuring smooth implementation of the new charges.
This was the Government’s first adjustment to parking meter charges in over 30 years, and also the first update to the smart parking meter system since its launch in 2021 in response to charge adjustment. Smart parking meters support multiple payment methods, allowing drivers to pay charges and extend parking time through a mobile app. As the project technical consultant, the EMSD assisted the TD in developing solutions to update the parking meter software and its backend system, ensuring smooth implementation of the new charges on 28 September.
After the system entered non-operative hours by-phases starting from 8:00 pm on 27 September, the TD contractor had to complete the system update and integrity check for over 11000 smart parking meters, comprising a total of 130 parking fee modules, across Hong Kong by 6:00 am the following day, making the task extremely challenging. To ensure a smooth process, the team set up system failure notification and rollback mechanisms, and conducted three simulation drills in September to identify and rectify potential problems as early as possible.
With effect from 8:00 pm on 27 September, over 11000 smart parking meters began their system update in seven batches. The EMSD staff were present throughout the process to provide professional technical advice and monitor the progress closely. Upon completion of the update, staff of the EMSD, the TD and the contractor formed five teams to conduct spot checks at 40 locations across the territory to ensure proper operation of the smart parking meter system. Thanks to close team collaboration, the system update was completed successfully and the new charges took effect as scheduled.
