Selangor looking at space-saving parking solution

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is reviewing the suitability of implementing tandem parking to increase carpark capacity at serviced apartments within Transit Oriented Development (TOD) areas.

TOD centres are high-intensity, mixed-use development that promote public transport usage through the integration of rail networks and pedestrian links.

State local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the tandem parking system, where two or more vehicles are parked one behind the other in a single, elongated space, was expected to offer efficient space-saving solution in high density areas.

The system, he said, supported the gradual transition to public transport for those living within TOD areas.

One of its principles is reducing parking provisions to discourage private vehicle use and encourage public transport.

Suee Lim said a significant portion of serviced apartment buyers and tenants were professionals and dual-income households who often owned more than one vehicle.

“A lack of parking bays can create difficulties for residents and lead to uncontrolled use of public spaces for parking.

“During this transitional phase, providing additional parking is crucial to accommodate current mobility habits while still supporting the broader TOD agenda.

“A shortage of parking spaces within TODs can negatively affect public roads and nearby neighbourhoods, while additional parking space adds market value to the development.

“The increase in parking ratio from one unit to one vehicle (1:1) to one unit to two vehicles (1:2) at serviced apartments takes into account several factors, including current market needs and enhancing development value,” he said during the Selangor State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor in Shah Alam.

Suee Lim was replying to Michelle Ng (PH-Subang Jaya), who questioned the rationale of increasing the parking ratio for serviced apartment units and whether such a move contradicted the aim of TODs.

To ensure a TOD truly met its original goals, Suee Lim said several policy approaches needed to be considered and implemented comprehensively.

“Maximum parking caps should be enforced at TOD areas and local authorities should promote public transport incentives like discounted fares and park-and-ride schemes.

“Urban planning must prioritise walkable designs and safe cycling paths to encourage residents to travel without private vehicles.

“Additionally, mixed-use developments should be encouraged to reduce long commutes daily,” he said.