Chengdu and Sichuan implement transport and parking reforms

Authorities in Sichuan and Chengdu are addressing logistical and regulatory challenges regarding road usage and vehicle parking.

In Sichuan, heavy truck drivers have reported difficulties complying with fatigue-driving regulations. While provincial rules require rest periods to prevent fatigue, drivers face a shortage of suitable parking spaces on national and provincial highways. This lack of infrastructure often forces drivers to park on roadsides, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. The Sichuan Provincial Department of Transportation has stated that the ‘Sichuan Provincial Road Transport Regulations’ are currently being revised to address these inconsistencies and improve parking facilities.

Simultaneously, Chengdu has implemented new parking fee management regulations effective October 1. The new policy aims to replace a long-standing system that rounded up parking durations, which often resulted in drivers being charged for full hours despite only using a fraction of that time. The reform introduces more precise billing, with a goal to gradually move toward minute-based charging. The new rules apply to 23 districts and counties, categorizing parking into government-priced, government-guided, and market-regulated tiers.