He said the council is hopeful the move will improve traffic flow and prevent long-term parking, which deprives others from using public parking spaces.

Parking fees have increased from 40 sen to 60 sen per half hour and from 80 sen to RM1.20 per hour.

The daily rate has been raised from RM6 to RM9, while the monthly pass remains at RM150.

“Some drivers leave their vehicles parked continuously for 10 to 12 hours, making it difficult for others to find a parking space.

“Not only does this force drivers to go in circles in search of parking, it also worsens congestion.

“We also plan to impose time limits on parking in high-demand areas such as parts of Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pasar (Little India),” he told reporters after an event in George Town.

According to Rajendran, MBPP has introduced stricter measures in five congestion hotspots by prohibiting cars from waiting by the roadside and stepping up enforcement against illegal parking.

The areas are Jalan P Ramlee, Jalan Dato Keramat, Jalan Magazine, Jalan Burma and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway.

He added that his team is also working with developers to ensure that private parking facilities in commercial buildings adopt a payment structure similar to MBPP’s public parking rates to reduce congestion.

“People are encouraged to use the existing parking spaces in shopping centres and private buildings, rather than rely solely on public parking,” he said.

“Residents should also make use of public transport options in Penang, including Rapid Penang buses, taxis and e-hailing services, to ease road congestion.”

Rajendran added that MBPP has started an open tender process to build a multi-level parking facility along Weld Quay to increase the number of available parking bays.

Penang has one of the highest car ownership rates in the country.