Remove season parking schemes altogether and limit the number of parking spaces in the crowded Central Business District (CBD) - these could well be the solutions to ease traffic congestion in the city.

They were suggested at a focus group discussion to get feedback from the public as part of the government's ongoing review of the local transport system.

According to figures cited by the LTA, Singapore has a relatively high ratio of parking spaces to jobs within city limits. Hong Kong has 23 parking lots for every 1,000 jobs. London has 85, while Singapore has some 165 lots for every 1,000 jobs.

Season parking charges here are thus much more affordable, with monthly charges peaking at $200, compared to as much as $940 in Hong Kong.

Dr Paul Barter, an expert on public transport at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, told The Straits Times: "With season parking, motorists will feel the need to use it as much as they can as they have paid upfront."

Other suggestions thrown up included short-term parking within the city, adjusting public carpark charges, and mileage-pegged taxes, so that those who use their car less will pay less tax.

Most participants while unhappy with the rising ERP charges, agreed that they were necessary to help reign in congestion.

But they all saw a need for drivers to reduce car use, and improvements in public transport standards.

"Managing Road Usage", a focus group discussion conducted by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, drew lively contributions from some 50 members of the public throughout the three-hour proceedings at LTA's Hampshire Road premises.

Co-chairing the discussion were Mr Zainudin Nordin, Mayor of Central Singapore CDC, and Mr Han Fook Kwang, Editor of The Straits Times.