The Vehicle Parking Certificate Scheme was first introduced more than 20 years ago. The main reason why the scheme was introduced was to prevent heavy vehicles from parking along the roads overnight. Heavy vehicles not only posed as road hazards for road users but the smoke emitted and noise produced also made it unpleasant for people living around the nearby residential areas.
Nowadays, it is compulsory for heavy vehicles to park at designated parking areas which are usually situated away from residential estates. Under the VPC scheme, all heavy vehicles are required to apply for parking lots located in authorised parking places. The parking location must also be approved by the Land Transport Authority or the LTA. Do note that it is considered an offence if a heavy vehicle is not parked at its designated parking area between 12am and 6am whenever not in use.
What is Considered A Heavy Vehicle
In case you are wondering, a Heavy Vehicle in this context is defined as :
- Heavy goods vehicle or any concrete mixer where the maximum weight of the vehicle including goods (if any) exceeds 5 tonnes
- Trailer of any kind where the maximum weight of the trailer including goods (if any) exceeds 5 tonnes
- Mobile crane or any recovery vehicle where the weight of the crane or vehicle excluding any goods exceeds 2.5 tonnes
- Bus with a seating capacity exceeding fifteen persons, not counting the driver
Requirement to Hold Vehicle Parking Certificates
It is a requirement for heavy vehicle owners to hold the issued non-transferrable vehicle parking certificates as a form of proof to show that the vehicle already has a designated parking space. The VPC is issued for a specific vehicle and parking area.
The certificate is also required whenever registering for a brand new heavy vehicle and for the purpose of road tax renewal. You will also be required to apply for VPC if you are transferring the ownership of a heavy vehicle, if you are changing the parking location to another parking place or if you are transferring the parking from one vehicle to another. The validity period of the certificate should be the valid for the period of the road tax.
Where to Find Approved Heavy Vehicle Parking Areas
If you are an owner of these heavy vehicles, you may apply for the VPC through the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Housing Development Board or any authorised parking operators. These operators will apply for the certificates on behalf of heavy vehicle owners.
The list and locations of the authorised parking lots can also be found on the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) One Motoring website.
Parking of Heavy Vehicles Within Industrial Premises
Heavy vehicles are not allowed to park in residential areas due to the potential dis-amenities that they may create for nearby residents. If you are a tenant or an owner of a factory or warehouse unit within an industrial building, you can apply to the Land Transport Authority to use the development to park your heavy vehicles overnight.
If your industrial development happens to run out of VPCs, you will still be able to find alternatives by looking for any licensed vehicle park operators who will apply for the certificates on your behalf.
Why Having the VPC is Important
By having the vehicle parking certificates, your company will be able to park your heavy vehicles at the approved parking spaces without any worries. Furthermore, you can simply present the issued VPC which is also a requirement in order for you to renew your road tax for your heavy vehicle. Be sure to check and ensure that the VPC validity period is correct and that it covers your road tax period.
Source : LTA