The Housing Authority has endorsed the extension of the free parking scheme at its shopping centers from the end of December until the end of March 2005.

However, the authority's Commercial Properties Committee chairman Walter Chan said it was time to look at whether the scheme should be terminated as both Hong Kong's economy and the retail market were picking up.

The scheme has been extended four times since its introduction in April 2002.

Under the scheme, customers spending $100 or more are offered one hour free parking and two hours if they spend $200 or more.