Multiple Regions Roll Out Refined Parking Reforms with Per-Minute Billing and Short-Term Free Parking

Recently, multiple cities—including Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Changsha—have optimized their on-street parking management policies by abolishing the previous “round-up” billing method. Instead, they have introduced precise per-minute billing, established short-term free parking periods, and lowered the daily maximum parking fee. The new rules clearly differentiate between compliant parking and excessive usage costs, ensuring reasonable access for drivers needing temporary stops for errands, short trips, or commercial vehicle operations. This reform leverages pricing mechanisms to encourage “short stays and quick turnover,” enhancing parking space utilization in core urban areas, alleviating traffic congestion, and promoting efficient use of public resources. Supported by smart digital technologies, the policy shift reflects a transition in urban governance from coarse management toward greater precision and user-centered design. To ensure effective implementation, local authorities must further refine scenario-based differentiated pricing structures, develop unified smart parking platforms, strengthen oversight of fees to prevent disguised price hikes or hidden charges, and establish accessible channels for public complaints. Additionally, government offices, office buildings, and other facilities are encouraged to open idle parking spaces during off-peak hours to facilitate shared parking resources.