The Government has been advocating the use of public transport. However, free parking in schools sends a contradictory message ("MOE reviewing free school parking"; Jan 8 and "Debate over free school parking"; Jan 9).

Money has to be spent on maintenance of the carparks. And the carparks take up space that could otherwise have been used for other school purposes, such as a multipurpose court for ball games.

Schools should charge educators for the use of parking spaces. Principals, vice-principals and department heads should also pay for parking.

This can discourage driving and better support the Government's goal of promoting the use of public transport, especially when students see their teachers and school leaders set a good example.

Donny Ho Boon Tiong