Uichang-gu, Changwon Special City, Opens Parking Lots for Free at Night to Ease Parking Shortage

Agreement Ceremony Held for Car Repair Shop Annex Parking Lot Sharing Project

On the 5th, Uichang-gu of Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam held a signing ceremony for the 'Shared Auxiliary Parking Lot Project,' which aims to alleviate residential parking shortages by opening the auxiliary parking lots of automobile repair shops, affiliated with the Changwon branch of the Automobile Maintenance Business Association, to citizens during nighttime hours.

Uichang District, Agreement Ceremony for Shared Use of Parking Lots Attached to Auto Repair Shops.

The Shared Auxiliary Parking Lot Project allows citizens to use 46 parking spaces at 15 automobile repair shops free of charge. On weekdays and Saturdays, the lots are available from 8 PM to 7 AM the following morning, and on Sundays, they are open 24 hours. The agreement period is two years, and it will be automatically extended unless otherwise requested.

This project was initiated through voluntary cooperation from the private sector in response to an idea from administrative authorities to address the shortage of residential parking spaces. By utilizing idle auxiliary parking lots, the project not only reduces the significant budget required for constructing new parking facilities but is also expected to have a nationwide ripple effect as similar cases are adopted elsewhere.

Uichang-gu explained that for the successful establishment and expansion of this project, it is essential for citizens to voluntarily cooperate by refraining from parking outside the designated free hours and strictly adhering to parking guidelines, so as not to interfere with the participating businesses' operations.

Uichang-gu Mayor An Jemoon stated, "Constructing new parking lots requires a massive budget and securing land is a significant challenge, making it difficult to meet demand. However, through cooperation with private organizations, we are now able to provide a practical and encouraging policy for residents. We will strive to ensure this project becomes a well-established and exemplary case nationwide."