OWNERS of heavyweight commercial vehicles will find it easier to find season parking lots from next month with parking regulations being relaxed.

From Dec 1, commercial vehicles up to 1,800kg are allowed season parking at Housing Board (HDB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) lots for $65 to $90 a month in residential areas and $80 to $180 in commercial areas.

Currently, the weight limit for these rates is 1,500kg. Those who own heftier vehicles pay between $120 and $185 a month.

The revision is to accommodate heavier diesel vehicles following the introduction of the Euro IV emission standard late last year.

Euro IV vehicles emit far less pollutants than the general population of Euro II vans, trucks, lorries and buses here.

But they cost 20 to 40 per cent more and weigh up to 20 per cent more than Euro II models.

In a statement yesterday, the HDB and URA said about 900 current season parking customers are expected to benefit from the change.

The Straits Times understands that the revised ruling could benefit around 1,500 more vehicle owners.

Former Motor Traders Association president Chia Yong Sian, who lobbied for the change, said: "This is great news, as the new ruling is more user-friendly.

"It shows that HDB and URA do consider feedback seriously and are willing to improve on existing rulings."

The new ruling has one proviso, though: The rates apply only if a commercial vehicle fits into a car lot.