The doubling of fees applies to all of Hong Kong’s more than 20,000 roadside metered parking spaces, with the charge jumping from HK$2 to HK$4 per 15 minutes, except for those for coaches, buses and trucks.
Ten vehicles, including two taxis, queued for metered parking spaces on Hing Fat Street near Victoria Park in Causeway Bay on Sunday afternoon.
Among them was 75-year-old taxi driver Wong Sin-pui, who said the new charge was unreasonable but he had to reluctantly accept it.
“At HK$16 per hour, it is still the cheapest legal option because private car parks are way more expensive and illegal parking is too much of a risk,” Wong said.
“I will just have to work a little harder and take two more hailed fares before my shift changes to cover the cost.”