Incheon Metropolitan City began enforcing a license plate-based five-day rotation system at public parking lots across the city starting Thursday, as part of energy conservation measures following the declaration of a "caution" level resource security crisis.
Under the system, vehicles are restricted from entering public parking lots on designated weekdays based on the last digit of their license plate number. Plates ending in 1 or 6 are barred on Mondays, 2 or 7 on Tuesdays, 3 or 8 on Wednesdays, 4 or 9 on Thursdays, and 5 or 0 on Fridays. The restrictions do not apply on weekends or public holidays.
The policy covers 869 paid on-street and off-street public parking facilities operated by Incheon city and its districts, totaling 43,437 parking spaces. Vehicles carrying persons with disabilities, national veterans, pregnant women, or preschool-age children are exempt. Electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and emergency vehicles are also excluded. Some facilities, including traditional market parking lots and park-and-ride lots, may receive exemptions depending on local conditions.
The city expects some public inconvenience during the initial rollout. Incheon plans to minimize confusion by installing banners at parking lot entrances and providing information through district government websites and online map services.
"This is an unavoidable measure to respond to the resource security crisis," said Jeon Yun-hee, head of Incheon's Transportation Safety Division. "Public understanding and active participation are crucial."