A Hong Kong driver faced a shocking parking bill of HK$1,210—more than seven times the advertised rate—after parking overnight in a residential estate car park, prompting the Consumer Council to warn about unclear discount terms at shopping centres and other facilities.
The incident, highlighted by the consumer watchdog on Monday, involved a driver who spotted a banner advertising “24-hour unlimited parking” for HK$145 outside the car park. She parked there for about 22 hours overnight, expecting to pay the promotional price.
However, upon trying to leave the next evening, she was charged HK$1,210 instead. Staff later explained that the discounted rate applied only to vehicles parked in a designated “inner zone” of the car park—a condition not clearly indicated on the large banner.
As a result, the standard hourly rate of HK$55 was applied to her stay, leading to the hefty bill equivalent to US$155. The Consumer Council cited this case as an example of disputes arising from ambiguous promotions.
Complaints about car-park services have remained persistently high in recent years, according to the watchdog. It recorded 120 cases in 2025, reversing a dip to 96 in 2024 and broadly matching the 118 complaints from 2023.
The Consumer Council noted that some shopping centres in Hong Kong display unclear parking discount terms, often sparking conflicts with drivers. This pattern underscores ongoing challenges in the city's parking facilities, where promotional offers fail to specify key restrictions.
