Teachers at over 360 schools and colleges may have to pay charges, in move that could kick in this year
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 8 Jan 2016
Teachers at national schools and junior colleges face the prospect of having to pay car parking fees at their institutions, a move that could take place as early as this year.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday said it was reviewing carpark charges for schools "in accordance to civil service guidelines", and schools would be told of the changes, if any.
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 8 Jan 2016
The Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday said it was reviewing carpark charges for schools "in accordance to civil service guidelines", and schools would be told of the changes, if any.
Should it be implemented, teachers at more than 360 schools and colleges will be affected.
Teachers contacted said they had, for several years, heard talk of parking fees being imposed, and the catalyst for the prospective move is the Auditor-General's (AG) disapproval last year of some educational institutions allowing their staff to park for free or charging fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", the AG had said in an annual report (FY 2014/15) of financial lapses at public sector bodies.
Reactions were mixed among teachers interviewed yesterday, all of whom declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Reactions were mixed among teachers interviewed yesterday, all of whom declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Most said they would continue to drive to work even when they have to pay for parking.
The reason: Their work day is typically longer than eight hours, many said, and taking public transport would add to their long day.
Said a primary school teacher in his late 30s, who has been driving to school for 10 years: "I am in school by 6.30am and work about 10 to 12 hours each day, and sometimes more if there are school events. So, I will drive to work."
A 26-year-old teacher working in a junior college said: "If there is season parking and it is affordable, I will drive. But I will still be deeply unhappy to be made to pay."
Some are circumspect about the move, noting that schools and colleges are public institutions and should be governed by the same rules as any other.
Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao reported yesterday that the ministry has been discussing the issue since the start of last year.
Almost all public service organisations, including the ministry, charge for parking at their offices.
Parking remains free at most primary and secondary schools and junior colleges. The carparks are invariably meant for school staff.
Parking remains free at most primary and secondary schools and junior colleges. The carparks are invariably meant for school staff.
But at the School of the Arts in Zubir Said Drive next to The Cathay cinema, the carpark is open to the public as well as school staff, with fees set at market prices.
The three institutions pinpointed by the AG last year were the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), where parking is free, and Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic, which charge parking fees below the market rate.Teachers may soon have to pay to park in schools.
Posted by The Straits Times on Thursday, January 7, 2016
A check by The Straits Times found that the parking situation at all three institutions remains unchanged. Both polytechnics are still working with the relevant authorities on how much to charge, they told this newspaper.
At the ITE, eateries on the grounds of its colleges, like First Culinary Restaurant at its Ang Mo Kio college, said parking is still free for diners.
* MOE asks for patience in review on free parking
It acknowledges concerns over issue of making teachers pay to park in schools
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 13 Jan 2016
The issue of whether teachers should pay to park their cars in schools will be carefully considered, said the Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday, as it acknowledged the debate this has generated.
"There has been much online chatter on the review of free parking in schools," MOE posted on its Facebook page yesterday.
"We understand the concerns raised and we are with you in appreciating the dedication and hard work by all our teachers."
Many people, including former and current teachers, have criticised the possibility that teachers and other school staff who drive to work will no longer get to have free parking.
The Straits Times received about 25 letters to its Forum pages on the issue, with most calling for parking for teachers to remain free.
It acknowledges concerns over issue of making teachers pay to park in schools
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 13 Jan 2016
The issue of whether teachers should pay to park their cars in schools will be carefully considered, said the Ministry of Education (MOE) yesterday, as it acknowledged the debate this has generated.
"There has been much online chatter on the review of free parking in schools," MOE posted on its Facebook page yesterday.
"We understand the concerns raised and we are with you in appreciating the dedication and hard work by all our teachers."
There has been much online chatter on the review of free parking in schools. We understand the concerns raised and we...
Posted by Ministry of Education, Singapore on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Many people, including former and current teachers, have criticised the possibility that teachers and other school staff who drive to work will no longer get to have free parking.
The Straits Times received about 25 letters to its Forum pages on the issue, with most calling for parking for teachers to remain free.
This was after The Straits Times followed up on a report last week in Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao that the ministry was considering whether to implement carpark charges at public schools.
Those against the move argued that teachers already work long hours, and often go out of their way to help students. This includes giving at-risk students a lift to school so they do not miss lessons, and taking sick ones to the doctor - all without claiming for expenses.
Others, however, said giving teachers free parking amounted to subsidising their driving cost - a perk not given to other civil servants.
"We seek your patience and understanding as we are still in the process of reviewing the carpark policy for schools, bearing in mind civil service guidelines and recent AGO (Auditor-General's Office) observations. We are taking the time to do this carefully," MOE said in the post.
The MOE is "taking the time to do this carefully", it said. "We understand the concerns raised and we are with you in appreciating the dedication and hard work by all our teachers."
Posted by The Straits Times on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Last year, the AGO pointed out in a report that the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic charged below-market rates for the use of their carparks.
This, the Auditor-General said, was akin to providing "hidden subsidies" to staff. It also went against the Government's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for, with no hidden perks and privileges.
Do you think teachers should pay for parking in school? [http://bit.ly/1O8clLl]The Ministry of Education (MOE) said...
Posted by REACHSingapore on Friday, January 8, 2016
Did you know that teachers might soon have to pay to park in schools? We spoke to 10 other ministries and statutory...
Posted by The Middle Ground on Friday, January 8, 2016
Teachers at over 360 schools and colleges may have to pay parking charges, in move that could kick in this year.
Posted by The Straits Times on Thursday, January 7, 2016
Debate over free school parking for teachers
Some argue teachers work long hours, others say it is akin to subsidising their driving cost
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jan 2016
A government review that could result in school teachers paying carpark fees at their place of work has drawn intense debate, with most commentators criticising the prospective move.
Some argue teachers work long hours, others say it is akin to subsidising their driving cost
By Pearl Lee, The Straits Times, 9 Jan 2016
A government review that could result in school teachers paying carpark fees at their place of work has drawn intense debate, with most commentators criticising the prospective move.
They argued that teachers at national schools and junior colleges work long hours, and many stay after school hours to coach weaker students, doing this on top of their administrative duties.
But proponents of "no free parking" countered that allowing it is as good as subsidising the cost of driving for teachers.
Mr Phang Fook Ghay, 56, who wrote to The Straits Times' Forum Page about the issue, yesterday told The Straits Times: "How do we justify giving teachers this subsidy when other civil servants are not entitled to it?"
A check with 10 public sector organisations found that it is common practice for their employees to pay for carpark spaces at their office building. Six of them, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Manpower and Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, charge staff a monthly rate of about $90 for season parking, similar to that of carparks in Housing Board estates.
This is typically less than what it costs to park in a private sector building, although this varies by location. It usually costs $200 or more a month for season parking in central Singapore. For instance, Funan DigitaLife Mall in North Bridge Road charges tenants $214. At Fajar Shopping Centre in Bukit Panjang, it costs $90 a month.
Some argue teachers work long hours, others say it is akin to subsidising their driving cost.
Posted by The Straits Times on Friday, January 8, 2016
At some government offices, charges are higher than $90. Parking at the Symbiosis building in Fusionopolis, where the Media Development Authority office is located, costs $120 a month.
The Treasury building, which houses the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade and Industry, and is located in the City Hall area, charges $140 a month for season parking.
The Treasury building, which houses the Ministry of Law, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Trade and Industry, and is located in the City Hall area, charges $140 a month for season parking.
These payments are in line with the Government's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for with no hidden perks and privileges.
As early as 2005, government agencies were told to stop giving carpark benefits regardless of whether the carpark is owned by the ministry or a commercial company.
But teachers at most national schools and junior colleges have always been able to park at their institutions for free.
However, this may soon change with the MOE reviewing carpark charges for schools "in accordance with civil service guidelines".
The review was prompted by the Auditor-General pointing out last year that three educational institutions were charging below- market rates for their carpark spaces. They were the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore Polytechnic and Temasek Polytechnic.
Doing so, the Auditor-General said, was akin to giving "hidden subsidies"to staff.
But many teachers interviewed said they drive to work as a necessity because their work day starts early and they work long hours.
Some use their cars to give at-risk students a ride to ensure that they attend school.
Said a 35-year-old junior college teacher: "Sometimes, teachers use their cars to take students to the doctor or hospital. And they do not make any transport claims."
Another junior college teacher said: "I don't see it as a subsidy, but a perk of the job."
His college has about 50 carpark spaces, which tend to be occupied on school days.
But economist Donald Low said giving free parking is generally inefficient. The associate dean of research and executive education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said: "If teachers were given a cash subsidy instead of free parking, some may value the cash more and choose not to drive. This frees up space for other purposes.
"Just because parking is free doesn't mean it has no opportunity cost. What about the basketball court that could have been built if less space is given to a carpark?"
Additional reporting by Sheryl Lee
Parking your car for free is actually expensive
Additional reporting by Sheryl Lee
MOE's proposed changes seem to have struck a raw nerve but no need for torches and pitchforks just yet.
Posted by The Middle Ground on Friday, January 8, 2016
It's hard to argue against this.
Posted by Mothership.sg on Saturday, January 9, 2016
Former teacher lists 13 examples of "fees" teachers have had to pay out of their own pocket. These include classroom decorations and gifts to motivate students among others.
Posted by The Straits Times on Sunday, January 10, 2016
Parking your car for free is actually expensive
By Justin Fox, Published The Straits Times, 5 Feb 2016
In Tepper Isn't Going Out, writer Calvin Trillin's novel of parking in New York City, Murray Tepper pays for a space in a garage near his apartment on the Upper West Side and rides the subway to work.
But he cannot resist venturing out on evenings and weekends to take advantage of the amazing parking bargains that New York's streets offer. Then he just sits there in his Chevy Malibu and reads the New York Post before taking the car back to the garage.
Really, who can blame him? Metered parking in New York has got more expensive since Trillin's book was released in 2001, but it still maxes out at US$3.50 (S$5) an hour in Manhattan, much cheaper than a lot or garage. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the city's streets do not have meters, and New York does not restrict parking to residents. Anyone from anywhere can drive up next to some of the world's most expensive real estate and park for free until the next street cleaning. If they can find a space, that is - and Murray Tepper happens to be especially good at that.
As a plot device, this is surprisingly effective. As public policy, though, free parking is terrible. It amounts to, among other things, a huge subsidy for drivers, who get to store their vehicles on public land at no charge. It is also an absurdly inefficient way to allocate a scarce resource.
Finding street parking in Manhattan and the more crowded parts of New York City's other boroughs is so notoriously difficult precisely because most of the spaces are free. And while density is lower and parking rules are different in other cities in the United States, the underpricing of parking is near universal. When it comes to allocating space for cars, this nation has long pursued a remarkably collectivist, anti-free-market approach.
There are signs that this might be changing a little. Ms Rebecca Beitsch of Pew Charitable Trusts' Stateline news service reports that cities across the country are contemplating parking rates of up to US$8 an hour on busy streets.
In Tepper Isn't Going Out, writer Calvin Trillin's novel of parking in New York City, Murray Tepper pays for a space in a garage near his apartment on the Upper West Side and rides the subway to work.
But he cannot resist venturing out on evenings and weekends to take advantage of the amazing parking bargains that New York's streets offer. Then he just sits there in his Chevy Malibu and reads the New York Post before taking the car back to the garage.
Really, who can blame him? Metered parking in New York has got more expensive since Trillin's book was released in 2001, but it still maxes out at US$3.50 (S$5) an hour in Manhattan, much cheaper than a lot or garage. Meanwhile, the vast majority of the city's streets do not have meters, and New York does not restrict parking to residents. Anyone from anywhere can drive up next to some of the world's most expensive real estate and park for free until the next street cleaning. If they can find a space, that is - and Murray Tepper happens to be especially good at that.
As a plot device, this is surprisingly effective. As public policy, though, free parking is terrible. It amounts to, among other things, a huge subsidy for drivers, who get to store their vehicles on public land at no charge. It is also an absurdly inefficient way to allocate a scarce resource.
Finding street parking in Manhattan and the more crowded parts of New York City's other boroughs is so notoriously difficult precisely because most of the spaces are free. And while density is lower and parking rules are different in other cities in the United States, the underpricing of parking is near universal. When it comes to allocating space for cars, this nation has long pursued a remarkably collectivist, anti-free-market approach.
There are signs that this might be changing a little. Ms Rebecca Beitsch of Pew Charitable Trusts' Stateline news service reports that cities across the country are contemplating parking rates of up to US$8 an hour on busy streets.
Professor Donald Shoup from University of California, Los Angeles, who promotes demand-price parking, said: "Transportation performs better because there is less congestion, and the economy performs better because merchants have one or two spaces open near their business."
Cities are also beginning to back away from parking minimums, rules that force developers to include a certain number of parking spaces with any new building. Urbanist non-profit organisation Strong Towns recently produced a crowdsourced map detailing dozens of local-government moves in this direction, while Mr Eric Jaffe of the Atlantic's CityLab has a quick explanation of why the minimums are harmful. So maybe this is the beginning of a big societal shift towards a more market-oriented approach. The intellectual groundwork has been laid by the likes of Prof Shoup, author of a book called The High Cost Of Free Parking, and journalist Matthew Yglesias, who has been pushing free markets in parking for years.
If this movement ever starts gaining serious steam, though, it will surely also encounter serious opposition. Market-rate pricing for parking in busy business districts delivers obvious benefits for locals, along with costs. Extending the approach to residential neighbourhoods is a much dicier proposition, politically speaking.
Most big US cities offer permits that allow locals to park without restriction on residential streets where parking is otherwise limited. The fees tend to be modest - in San Francisco, it is US$110 a year; in Chicago, US$85.97; Washington, US$35; Los Angeles, US$34. This is actually an even better deal than New York City's free-to-all parking, because it means that as a resident you can usually find a space.
If cities were to raise permit prices to reflect the market value of those parking spots, or supplement the permits with meters on residential streets, one can imagine the citizen outrage that would ensue. That is partly because it would involve taking something that is currently free or cheap and charging lots of money for it. People tend not to like that.
It is also because, as economist Eren Inci of Istanbul's Sabanci University explains in the current issue of the Milken Institute Review, free or cheap parking increases nearby property values.
That is not exactly how Mr Inci puts it - he writes that the costs of free kerbside parking "are already capitalised in housing prices and rents", and concludes that this "produces negative welfare consequences" because people who do not need parking have to pay more for housing. For people who already own homes, though, it means those homes are worth more than they would be if parking cost a lot. And in cities with rent control, such as San Francisco, even renters can benefit because cheap parking increases the gap between what they pay and the market value of their dwellings.
As Dartmouth College economist William Fischel has convincingly argued, local-government priorities in the US can be largely explained as the choices of voters trying to protect their property values. This is a key reason why zoning and other land-use restrictions persist despite evidence that they slow economic growth and increase segregation by income. And it is why, while it is pretty clear that parking subsidies - another one is the federal tax benefit for commuter parking - make no economic sense, they will surely be with us for a while yet, unless some deus ex machina comes along to change everything.
There may actually be just such a plot twist in the works: the rise of the self-driving car. Technology journalist Clive Thompson has a big article in the current issue of Mother Jones making the case that robocars will do away with our parking problems by effectively doing away with parking. The idea is that the cars would pick up and drop off passengers all day. Then, when demand goes down late at night, Mr Thompson writes, "they could drive out to a remote parking spot on the outskirts of town". No human would need to drive, or park.
I would be all for that. Although I would feel at least a little sorry for the Murray Teppers of the world.
BLOOMBERG VIEW
#########
** ITE staff must pay for parking from October 2017
Auditor-General's Office in 2015 faulted educational institutions for free or cheaper staff parking
By Sue-Ann Tan and Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 28 Jul 2017
All Institute of Technical Education (ITE) staff will need to pay for parking from October.
They were informed yesterday that they will be charged season parking rates of $80 and $110 per month for surface and sheltered carparks respectively - in line with rates at the nearby HDB carparks.
The move comes two years after an Auditor-General's Office (AGO) report had faulted some educational institutions for allowing their staff to park for free or charging fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", the AGO had said in its annual report, which also highlighted financial lapses at public sector bodies.
In an e-mail circular sent to staff yesterday, ITE chief executive Low Khah Gek said: "Under the Public Service's clean wage policy, ITE has to ensure that our employees do not receive hidden benefits, such as free or subsidised rates for parking.
"According to Public Service Division guidelines, this means pegging the carpark rates to those charged at the nearest alternative carpark."
An ITE spokesman confirmed the changes to parking rates, which will apply to all staff, students and members of the public who park at its three college campuses.
Nanyang Polytechnic staff and students were also told yesterday that parking rates would be revised from October. Season parking for its staff will also cost $80 and $110 for unsheltered and sheltered carparks respectively. Parking on campus was mostly free previously.
The polytechnic is also introducing hourly parking rates - charged on a per minute basis - for staff, students and members of the public who park on its campus.
The Straits Times understands that the rest of the polytechnics will soon follow suit.
The AGO report released in 2015 pointed out that ITE did not charge users for its carpark, and the estimated amount of parking fees foregone was $66,000 a month.
According to the report, Singapore and Temasek polytechnics had undercharged for the use of their carparks as well.
ST understands that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is still in the process of reviewing the carpark policy for schools.
An ITE College East lecturer, who declined to be named, said: "We saw this coming... The polytechnics and the MOE schools have been discussing this carpark issue for a while, so it's just a matter of time."
The lecturer added: "Of course, we prefer not to pay, but we understand the logic. All the while, free parking has been a privilege."
*** All five polytechnics to charge HDB parking rates from October 2017
Staff must pay for parking from Oct; teachers in schools may lose privilege too
By Sue-Ann Tan and Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 29 Jul 2017
All five polytechnics here will start charging staff for parking on their premises from October according to HDB carpark rates.
This means season parking will be at $80 for surface spaces and $110 for sheltered spaces a month.
The news follows the Institute of Technical Education's announcement on Thursday that all its staff will need to pay for parking, using the same HDB benchmark.
Currently, some of the polytechnics give their staff free parking or charged them subsidised rates.
The new parking rates are to comply with the Public Service's clean wage policy, following the Audit- General's Office report two years ago which found that some educational institutions did not impose charges or imposed below market rate charges for use of their carparks.
Mr Liew Hui Sing, Singapore Polytechnic's aeronautical engineering course chair who drives to work, said: "People who work in the public sector also have to pay for parking.
"We will just take this in our stride. We're also paying for the comfort of driving in our cars and parking on the premises."
With these changes, transport experts said that teachers in public schools face the prospect of paying for parking in their school compounds soon.
Dr Lee Der Horng, a National University of Singapore transport researcher, said: "Since they have already implemented this in the polytechnics and ITE, it will be difficult to justify it if they do not include the other schools as well."
A Ministry of Education spokesman said yesterday that car park charges for schools are being reviewed in accordance with civil service guidelines.
A primary school teacher, who declined to be named, said: "I hope we will not be charged since many of us are in the school for as long as 10 hours or more from 7am."
But others understood the rationale. Another primary school teacher said: "If you choose to drive in Singapore, you have to be prepared to pay the price. People from other companies have been doing it all this while, so we shouldn't complain."
Both teachers drive to work.
Dr Walter Theseira, economist and senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences,said: "Charging (for parking) also discourages driving so that people try to find other transport options. It's something that city governments aim for.
"From the perspective of fairness, everyone else pays for parking and if you subsidise drivers by letting them park free, how about those using public transport? It's not fair because not everyone drives to school."
However, Dr Lee also noted that a teacher's situation should also be taken into account.
"The hours that they work make it understandable that they prefer to drive and then need a place to park," he said. "We don't have to fix a certain rate across the board. It can be flexible for each school, depending on the situation."
**** Teachers to pay for parking in schools from August 2018
Same charges to apply for all schools and JCs, including independent schools
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 27 Mar 2018
Teachers in primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, will have to pay for parking from August.
Outdoor season parking will cost $75 a month during the school term, and $15 a month during the school holidays in June, November and December.
At sheltered carparks, teachers will pay $100 monthly during the school term, and $20 monthly during school holidays.
Motorcyclists will be charged $13 a month at uncovered carparks, and $2 during school holidays.
Sheltered parking fees will be $14 during the school term and $3 during school holidays.
Teachers were briefed by their school leaders yesterday on the introduction of carpark rates, imposed in line with the Public Service Division's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for, with no hidden perks and privileges.
Public parking rates to increase from December 2016 after first revision in 14 years
Parliamentary Replies: Annual revenue derived from the introduction of paid parking in schools -9 Jul 2018
Do MPs and grassroots volunteers pay for parking?
BLOOMBERG VIEW
#########
** ITE staff must pay for parking from October 2017
Auditor-General's Office in 2015 faulted educational institutions for free or cheaper staff parking
By Sue-Ann Tan and Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 28 Jul 2017
All Institute of Technical Education (ITE) staff will need to pay for parking from October.
They were informed yesterday that they will be charged season parking rates of $80 and $110 per month for surface and sheltered carparks respectively - in line with rates at the nearby HDB carparks.
The move comes two years after an Auditor-General's Office (AGO) report had faulted some educational institutions for allowing their staff to park for free or charging fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", the AGO had said in its annual report, which also highlighted financial lapses at public sector bodies.
In an e-mail circular sent to staff yesterday, ITE chief executive Low Khah Gek said: "Under the Public Service's clean wage policy, ITE has to ensure that our employees do not receive hidden benefits, such as free or subsidised rates for parking.
"According to Public Service Division guidelines, this means pegging the carpark rates to those charged at the nearest alternative carpark."
An ITE spokesman confirmed the changes to parking rates, which will apply to all staff, students and members of the public who park at its three college campuses.
Nanyang Polytechnic staff and students were also told yesterday that parking rates would be revised from October. Season parking for its staff will also cost $80 and $110 for unsheltered and sheltered carparks respectively. Parking on campus was mostly free previously.
The polytechnic is also introducing hourly parking rates - charged on a per minute basis - for staff, students and members of the public who park on its campus.
The Straits Times understands that the rest of the polytechnics will soon follow suit.
The AGO report released in 2015 pointed out that ITE did not charge users for its carpark, and the estimated amount of parking fees foregone was $66,000 a month.
According to the report, Singapore and Temasek polytechnics had undercharged for the use of their carparks as well.
ST understands that the Ministry of Education (MOE) is still in the process of reviewing the carpark policy for schools.
An ITE College East lecturer, who declined to be named, said: "We saw this coming... The polytechnics and the MOE schools have been discussing this carpark issue for a while, so it's just a matter of time."
The lecturer added: "Of course, we prefer not to pay, but we understand the logic. All the while, free parking has been a privilege."
*** All five polytechnics to charge HDB parking rates from October 2017
Staff must pay for parking from Oct; teachers in schools may lose privilege too
By Sue-Ann Tan and Amelia Teng, The Straits Times, 29 Jul 2017
All five polytechnics here will start charging staff for parking on their premises from October according to HDB carpark rates.
This means season parking will be at $80 for surface spaces and $110 for sheltered spaces a month.
The news follows the Institute of Technical Education's announcement on Thursday that all its staff will need to pay for parking, using the same HDB benchmark.
Currently, some of the polytechnics give their staff free parking or charged them subsidised rates.
The new parking rates are to comply with the Public Service's clean wage policy, following the Audit- General's Office report two years ago which found that some educational institutions did not impose charges or imposed below market rate charges for use of their carparks.
Mr Liew Hui Sing, Singapore Polytechnic's aeronautical engineering course chair who drives to work, said: "People who work in the public sector also have to pay for parking.
"We will just take this in our stride. We're also paying for the comfort of driving in our cars and parking on the premises."
With these changes, transport experts said that teachers in public schools face the prospect of paying for parking in their school compounds soon.
Dr Lee Der Horng, a National University of Singapore transport researcher, said: "Since they have already implemented this in the polytechnics and ITE, it will be difficult to justify it if they do not include the other schools as well."
A Ministry of Education spokesman said yesterday that car park charges for schools are being reviewed in accordance with civil service guidelines.
A primary school teacher, who declined to be named, said: "I hope we will not be charged since many of us are in the school for as long as 10 hours or more from 7am."
But others understood the rationale. Another primary school teacher said: "If you choose to drive in Singapore, you have to be prepared to pay the price. People from other companies have been doing it all this while, so we shouldn't complain."
Both teachers drive to work.
Dr Walter Theseira, economist and senior lecturer at the Singapore University of Social Sciences,said: "Charging (for parking) also discourages driving so that people try to find other transport options. It's something that city governments aim for.
"From the perspective of fairness, everyone else pays for parking and if you subsidise drivers by letting them park free, how about those using public transport? It's not fair because not everyone drives to school."
However, Dr Lee also noted that a teacher's situation should also be taken into account.
"The hours that they work make it understandable that they prefer to drive and then need a place to park," he said. "We don't have to fix a certain rate across the board. It can be flexible for each school, depending on the situation."
**** Teachers to pay for parking in schools from August 2018
Same charges to apply for all schools and JCs, including independent schools
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 27 Mar 2018
Teachers in primary and secondary schools, as well as junior colleges, will have to pay for parking from August.
Outdoor season parking will cost $75 a month during the school term, and $15 a month during the school holidays in June, November and December.
At sheltered carparks, teachers will pay $100 monthly during the school term, and $20 monthly during school holidays.
Motorcyclists will be charged $13 a month at uncovered carparks, and $2 during school holidays.
Sheltered parking fees will be $14 during the school term and $3 during school holidays.
Teachers were briefed by their school leaders yesterday on the introduction of carpark rates, imposed in line with the Public Service Division's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for, with no hidden perks and privileges.
There are about 360 primary and secondary schools and junior colleges. Parking charges will be the same across all schools.
In response to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said it has been working with the Public Service Division and the Ministry of Finance to determine "an appropriate treatment for staff parking in schools".
"It has become increasingly clear that the current treatment of allowing school staff to park for free constitutes a taxable benefit, as the vast majority of school carparks are located near chargeable carparks, and the carparks are intended for the use of staff and authorised visitors, with no access given to the general public," said a spokesman.
The fact that teachers have never had to pay for parking in schools came under the spotlight in 2015 when an Auditor-General's Office report faulted some educational institutions for allowing their staff to park for free, or at fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", it had said in an annual report of financial lapses in public-sector bodies.
The MOE spokesman said it took reference from Housing Board monthly season parking rates for non-residents - $90 for unsheltered carparks and $120 for covered ones - to determine the market value of school carparks.
The MOE spokesman said it took reference from Housing Board monthly season parking rates for non-residents - $90 for unsheltered carparks and $120 for covered ones - to determine the market value of school carparks.
She added that the monthly rate during the school term is higher than during the holidays because demand for parking fluctuates significantly between the two periods.
The same charges will be implemented in independent and government-aided schools, including those on private land, to ensure "consistency and parity across schools", she added.
Teachers, who cannot be named as they are not authorised to speak to the media, said the announcement was not a surprise as paid parking had been a topic of debate in the last few years.
"We had been hearing rumours, and it is not something we like... but it is fair since staff at polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education are also paying parking fees," said a primary school teacher.
But another teacher questioned if carparks in schools have commercial value.
"It is not as if schools can just rent out their carparks to the public because there is the issue of security," said the teacher in her 50s.
Non-school staff such as canteen stall operators and bookshop operators will also need to pay for parking, but not visitors such as parents or volunteers.
All five polytechnics and ITE started charging for parking on their premises last October.
***** School parking fees: Education Minister Ong Ye Kung stresses checks and balances
Responding to MP Seah Kian Peng, Ong Ye Kung explains it's public duty to abide by 'internal self-discipline'
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 26 May 2018
The decision to charge teachers for parking is borne out of a public duty to abide by a "system of internal self-discipline", Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Free parking for staff in education institutions was flagged by the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) in 2015 for going against the civil service's policy of paying clean wages, with no hidden benefits.
"This finding went against years of MOE practice. Yet, we have to respect our internal system of checks and balances. We cannot pick and choose which (AGO) finding to address or comply with - we take them all seriously," Mr Ong wrote.
"This is about upholding the value of self-discipline."
Mr Ong was responding to a speech made in Parliament last week by Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng, who called for a shift away from looking at issues through an economic lens.
Related"It is not as if schools can just rent out their carparks to the public because there is the issue of security," said the teacher in her 50s.
Non-school staff such as canteen stall operators and bookshop operators will also need to pay for parking, but not visitors such as parents or volunteers.
All five polytechnics and ITE started charging for parking on their premises last October.
***** School parking fees: Education Minister Ong Ye Kung stresses checks and balances
Responding to MP Seah Kian Peng, Ong Ye Kung explains it's public duty to abide by 'internal self-discipline'
By Seow Bei Yi, The Straits Times, 26 May 2018
The decision to charge teachers for parking is borne out of a public duty to abide by a "system of internal self-discipline", Education Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post yesterday.
Free parking for staff in education institutions was flagged by the Auditor-General's Office (AGO) in 2015 for going against the civil service's policy of paying clean wages, with no hidden benefits.
"This finding went against years of MOE practice. Yet, we have to respect our internal system of checks and balances. We cannot pick and choose which (AGO) finding to address or comply with - we take them all seriously," Mr Ong wrote.
"This is about upholding the value of self-discipline."
Mr Ong was responding to a speech made in Parliament last week by Marine Parade GRC MP Seah Kian Peng, who called for a shift away from looking at issues through an economic lens.
Mr Seah also said using the clean wage system to justify parking charges in schools "implies that all the years of free parking had tarred teachers with an 'unclean' wage".
Yesterday, Mr Ong said governance and running a public service system is not always about taking a purist market-based approach.
He cited examples such as how land use is planned not just for economic, but for social, community and environmental ends as well.
"Perhaps for the same reason, for a long time, we didn't charge parking for teachers in schools and servicemen in camps," he said.
However, there are checks and balances within Singapore's governance system, he added, such as the annual AGO report which pertains to the use of public funds.
The AGO had in a 2015 report faulted some schools for allowing their staff to park for free, or at fees below the market rate.
In response, the authorities discussed the issue with educators, culminating in the decision to implement parking charges in schools from August this year, said Mr Ong.
Defending the clean wage policy as a moral idea, he said all public servants subscribe to it, adding: "This is one of our core practices to ensure a clean government."
Moreover, the free parking benefit, he noted, was being given only to teachers who drive.
That said, charging teachers for parking "does not diminish our appreciation of teachers and educators", stressed Mr Ong."As Kian Peng said, it is a reminder about the kind of conversations and discourses we should be having. That policy decisions should be grounded not just on economics, but more importantly on values, morals and public duty."
An educator of three years, who drives to school, said he could understand the views of those who see the free parking as a sort of compensation for the sacrifices teachers make. However, he agreed the issue is one of duty rather than economics.
"The collected season parking fees will go back to the school for its use as funds, so it doesn't appear that the Government aims to make revenue from this," he told The Straits Times, speaking on condition of anonymity.
****** Parliament: Charging teachers for parking will result in revenue of $8 million to $10 million a year
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2018
The estimated revenue from charging teachers for parking will be $8 million to $10 million a year.
This was disclosed in a written reply by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung yesterday. He was responding to a parliamentary question from Workers' Party Non-Constituency MP Leon Perera, who had asked how much revenue will be collected from the parking fees for teachers in schools.
Mr Ong said the revenue will be retained by the schools. There are 360 primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore.
From August, teachers will have to pay for parking at their schools. Outdoor season parking will cost $75 a month during the school term, and $15 a month during the school holidays in June, November and December.
At sheltered carparks, teachers will have to pay $100 monthly during the school term and $20 monthly during school holidays. This will add up to $720 annually for uncovered carparks and $960 for sheltered ones.
The carpark rates were imposed in line with the Public Service Division's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for, with no hidden perks and privileges.
The move comes after a review of free parking in schools started in 2015 by the Ministry of Education.
An Auditor-General's Office report had in the same year faulted some educational institutions for allowing their staff to park for free, or at fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", it said in the annual report of financial lapses in public-sector bodies.
All five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education started charging for parking on their premises in October last year.
"The collected season parking fees will go back to the school for its use as funds, so it doesn't appear that the Government aims to make revenue from this," he told The Straits Times, speaking on condition of anonymity.
****** Parliament: Charging teachers for parking will result in revenue of $8 million to $10 million a year
By Amelia Teng, Education Correspondent, The Straits Times, 10 Jul 2018
The estimated revenue from charging teachers for parking will be $8 million to $10 million a year.
This was disclosed in a written reply by Education Minister Ong Ye Kung yesterday. He was responding to a parliamentary question from Workers' Party Non-Constituency MP Leon Perera, who had asked how much revenue will be collected from the parking fees for teachers in schools.
Mr Ong said the revenue will be retained by the schools. There are 360 primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges in Singapore.
From August, teachers will have to pay for parking at their schools. Outdoor season parking will cost $75 a month during the school term, and $15 a month during the school holidays in June, November and December.
At sheltered carparks, teachers will have to pay $100 monthly during the school term and $20 monthly during school holidays. This will add up to $720 annually for uncovered carparks and $960 for sheltered ones.
The carpark rates were imposed in line with the Public Service Division's "clean wage" policy, which stipulates that salaries are fully accounted for, with no hidden perks and privileges.
The move comes after a review of free parking in schools started in 2015 by the Ministry of Education.
An Auditor-General's Office report had in the same year faulted some educational institutions for allowing their staff to park for free, or at fees below the market rate.
Such practices "are tantamount to providing hidden subsidies for vehicle parking", it said in the annual report of financial lapses in public-sector bodies.
All five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education started charging for parking on their premises in October last year.
Public parking rates to increase from December 2016 after first revision in 14 years
Parliamentary Replies: Annual revenue derived from the introduction of paid parking in schools -9 Jul 2018
Do MPs and grassroots volunteers pay for parking?
No comments:
Post a Comment