Guangzhou is to standardize the operations of parking lot operators and curb illegal parking along roadsides.

A two-month campaign, which will run until the end of the year, will coincide with the implementation of new parking fees from Nov. 15.

Operators who refuse to adopt the new parking fees or use parking lots to conduct other businesses such as food or clothing markets, will be the main target of the campaign.

The authorities also called on enterprises and institutions to open their parking lots to the public to ease parking problems.

An official with the city's communication committee said the authorities would relocate parking meters which were inappropriately placed.

Some unlicensed and temporary parking lots will be closed during the campaign.

Underground parking lots in shopping malls which are used as markets must be restored to their original function.

Although most new residential estates had underground parking lots, developers sold the parking space to individuals instead of reserving them for occupants, causing parking difficulties in residential estates.

The official said income from roadside parking in residential estates should go to the residents.

Committee sources said there were 2,420 car parks in the city with about 280,000 parking spaces, but there were 500,000 registered cars.

On April 28, the local price control administration tabled a draft proposing 300 yuan (US$36) a month for indoor parking space at residential buildings and 150 yuan for outdoor space.

Guangzhou's current parking fee regulations took effect July 1, 2001.

Outdoor fees were 350 yuan a month and indoor fees 600 yuan a month.

The fees are much higher than Beijing and Shanghai, where the average monthly outdoor fees are around 150 yuan and indoor fees around 400 yuan.

Guangzhou's car parks have uniform fees, whether in busy downtown areas or in suburban districts and many car owners complain that this does not reflect the land value of the different areas.

Guangzhou price control administration officials have taken this into account and according to the new rule, parking fees will be based on zones. The first zone is the busy downtown area, the second is the quieter urban areas, and the third covers suburban areas.

In the first zone, an outdoor space will cost 450 yuan a month, in the second 300 yuan and in the third, 200 yuan. Residential car parking will cost 400 yuan for indoor parking and 150 yuan (outdoor) a month.

The proposal has brought a rash of complaints from car park operators who say their profit margins will be drastically reduced.

Editor: Olivia