Comment on "Space race too costly for car owners" (China Daily, Aug 2)

A recent article in China Daily said many people are protesting against the increase in parking fees. The article even asked the government to force property developers to reduce parking fees.

But the parking fee issue should be considered in the context of other facts. According to China Daily's report, the country's dependence on foreign oil is rising fast. China depends on foreign countries for 55.2 percent of its oil requirements, and the figure could even reach 80 by 2030.

Considering China's high level of dependence on imported oil, the new parking fees' rates are a good management measure. When parking fees are high, fewer people will use private vehicles and turn to public transportation, which will reduce fuel consumption and China's dependence on imported oil.

Yifang Chiu, via e-mail

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(China Daily 08/10/2011 page9)