Some motorists said they would be more cautious in choosing where to park as tougher penalties for illegal parking and other traffic offences took effect on Thursday.

The fixed penalty for illegal parking – which has remained unchanged for more than three decades – is up from HK$320 to HK$400.

Fines for 19 other traffic-related offences have also been raised from a range of between HK$320 and HK$1,000 to between HK$480 and HK$1,500.

“The increased fine did have a deterrent effect,” a driver, Fung, told RTHK.

"I don’t dare to park my car illegally. I either park it at on-street parking spaces or in car parks. The fine will improve traffic flows."

Another motorist believes, however, there is no deterrent effect.

“If people can’t find a parking space, they’ll just park on the street, there’s no other option," he said.

"For example, in Tsim Sha Tsui on a busy day, you’ll never find a spot.”

Yet another driver said he believed the fine for illegal parking had been set too high given the current state of the economy.