SINGAPORE - Finding a parking space in the Orchard area will be easier as the Parking Guidance System (PGS) extends to Singapore's main shopping belt.

From 31 August 2009, 11 PGS information panels will by installed along major roads leading to the Orchard area,
providing motorists with information on the availability of parking spaces at 14 participating developments
along Orchard Road.

The participating developments include Wheelock Place, Wisma Atria, Far East Plaza, Tang Plaza, The Heeren, Orchard Cineleisure, Ngee Ann City, Meritus Mandarin Hotel, 313@Somerset, Centre Point Shopping Centre, Orchard Point, Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall, Plaza Singapura and The Cathay (See map below).

With the strategically positioned electronic signboards which displays the number of parking lots available, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) hopes the service will enable drivers to plan their route in advance before entering the area so that time spent circling around looking for parking lots can be reduced.

LTA also hopes to promote a more efficient use of limited parking space and to ease traffic in the often crowded shopping district.

Dr Chin Kian Keong, LTA'ss Chief Engineer for Transportation said: "By providing motorist with advance information on parking spaces, the PGS system helps us to manage congestion by reducing the volume of circulating traffic that is looking for parking spaces."

Motorists can choose to park outside town and take public transport should the information panels show that there are few available parking spaces.

Positive responses to Marina Centre PGS

Since the PGS was introduced in the Marina area in April 2008, LTA has received positive feedback from motorists on the usefulness of this system.

An LTA survey found that about 82 per cent of motorists find that the PGS makes it easier for them to find an available car park lot in the Marina Centre area.

Nine in ten felt that the system has helped to improve their overall driving and parking experience.

Anticipation for Orchard PGS

The implementation of the PGS is a welcome move and is believed that it will enhance the shopping experience on Orchard Road.

Mrs Sng Ngoi May, Chairman, Orchard Road Business Association said: "Timely information will help drivers find parking quickly and start their retail therapy without delay. Generally, I believe road use will be optimised and this is good news for both shoppers and businesses on Orchard Road."

Already some are looking forward to more of such initiatives in future.

Civil servant, Ms Azlina Jamaludin said: "PGS at Orchard is really sweet music to our ears. My husband and I often drive to Orchard to shop. We look forward to a more pleasurable drive to Orchard since PGS will make our 'hunt' for a parking lot less frustrating.

"We hope more retail developments in Orchard will participate in this initiative."

How the PGS Works

The PGS comprises a data collection system at the various car parks. The system will collate information on parking lot availability from several shopping developments and display them on the electronic information panels along the roads leading to the area.