Core Viewpoint - Guangzhou has officially approved a new parking regulation aimed at addressing exorbitant parking fees, set to take effect on February 1, 2026, in a city with over 4.04 million vehicles, marking a significant step towards tackling parking issues [1] Group 1: New Regulation Details - The new regulation emphasizes convenience for citizens, mandating that parking facilities offer multiple payment methods, including electronic and cash options, and prohibits forcing users to bind to apps or follow public accounts [3] - It also includes provisions for vulnerable groups, ensuring that all parking facilities must accept cash payments to assist elderly individuals who may not be comfortable using mobile payment methods [3] Group 2: Current Parking Fee Issues - In Guangzhou's core business districts, parking fees are extremely high, with temporary parking in Tianhe CBD reaching up to 26 yuan per hour and daily caps at 328 yuan, leading to complaints from drivers about parking costs exceeding fuel expenses [3][8] - Some residents have reported monthly parking costs approaching 2000 yuan, which is comparable to renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city [8] - The increase in parking fees has been significant, with some luxury residential areas seeing monthly parking fees rise from 500 yuan to 1200 yuan, a 140% increase [8] Group 3: Challenges in Parking Management - The pricing mechanism for parking has become unregulated, allowing commercial parking lots to set arbitrary prices, contributing to a supply-demand imbalance in parking spaces [14] - Despite a reported supply-demand ratio of 1.08 in Guangzhou, the distribution of parking spaces is uneven, particularly in older districts and near hospitals and shopping areas, exacerbating parking difficulties [14] - The phenomenon of "black parking lots," where unauthorized fees are charged, has emerged in various cities, complicating the parking landscape further [15] Group 4: Proposed Solutions and Innovations - The new regulation aims to create a comprehensive governance system that goes beyond simple price limits to include measures for increasing parking availability [18] - Suggestions for improvement include utilizing underdeveloped land for temporary parking solutions and implementing a "shared parking" system similar to Japan's, where residents can rent out their parking spaces during the day [21] - The regulation also calls for transparency in pricing and payment processes, ensuring that all fees are clearly communicated and that electronic invoices are sent promptly after payment [23]