A driver recently reported being charged an unusually high parking fee at Dongguan East Station, questioning whether the pricing was reasonable. According to the driver, the payment app showed a parking duration of 2 hours and 53 minutes, with a total charge of 170 yuan.
The report quickly went viral online, with many netizens saying they had faced similar situations. One driver claimed they were charged 200 yuan after parking for 4 hours and 37 minutes at the same station.
At the entrance of the Changdong Road parking lot near Dongguan East Station, a posted fee schedule stated: for small vehicles, the first 15 minutes are free; 15–30 minutes cost 10 yuan; 30–40 minutes cost 30 yuan; beyond 40 minutes, an additional 10 yuan is charged for every 10 minutes. The maximum daily fee is capped at 200 yuan. The notice also warned that cars overstaying the limit would be photographed by traffic police, and owners would be asked to move their vehicles.
The pricing drew widespread criticism from the public. In response, local media interviewed the parking lot management. Staff explained that the higher fees were intended to discourage long-term parking, as the train station sees heavy traffic and has limited parking spaces. Long-term occupancy, they said, could worsen congestion. However, the manager also admitted that the pricing standard was indeed “a bit too high” and “not very reasonable.” The fee schedule is now under review by authorities.
For now, the parking lot has suspended charges and is allowing vehicles to pass free of cost. Fees already collected will be refunded to drivers within the week.
