Parking rates for motorcycles will be charged on a per minute basis, instead of at a flat rate, to help delivery riders who use multiple carparks in a day.

These will apply to Housing Board (HDB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) carparks with electronic parking systems, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Monday.

It will be of "practical help to the lower income, particularly those who work hard to better their lives", he said in Parliament.

He was responding to Dr Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC), who had highlighted a problem faced by despatch and delivery riders who are "generally low income".

Many choose to indiscriminately park their motorcycles in void decks or on roadsides instead of chalking up high parking fees when they use many different carparks in a day, she noted.

"My residents find them a hassle," she said.

Today, motorcyclists are charged a flat rate of 65 cents for either day or night parking at any one HDB and URA carpark.

"This is inexpensive but those who use multiple carparks in a day, such as despatch or delivery riders, may still chalk up considerable parking charges.

"Apparently, they bear such cost, and not their employers," Mr Khaw noted.

This was why he accepted Dr Lee's suggestion to revise electronic parking system rates for motorcyclists and charge them on a per minute basis instead, he said.

There will also be an enhanced season parking ticket so motorcyclists can park in all HDB and URA carparks for a flat monthly fee. This will be "affordable", said Mr Khaw.

HDB and URA will "work out the details and implement them as soon as possible", he added.