SINGAPORE - Free parking at sports facilities will not be given, as there is a risk that the parking lots will be used by people not playing sports at the facilities.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong said this in Parliament on Thursday, in response to Members of Parliament (MPs) who asked him to consider allowing free parking at sports facilities, to promote the use of such facilities.

Mountbatten MP Lim Biow Chuan asked for free parking for the first two hours while Nominated MP Benedict Tan asked for free parking during non-peak hours.

Mr Wong said there was a need to ensure that the limited resources are put to good use.

He added: "There is no compelling reason why we should skew our support in favour of those who drive to our sports facilities, compared to the many who get there using public transport."