A driver in Ningbo, Zhejiang, has been arrested after allegedly avoiding parking fees 183 times by tailgating other vehicles through parking barriers, costing the car park more than 3,000 yuan in unpaid charges.
The incident came to light after a parking operator reported that a black sedan had repeatedly entered the facility but had no recorded exit, raising suspicions of long-term fee evasion.
Police reviewed CCTV footage and discovered the driver had been using the same tactic each time. Whenever the vehicle in front paid its parking fee and the barrier lifted, he would accelerate closely behind it and exit the car park without making any payment.
Authorities said the suspect successfully used the method 183 times, accumulating more than 3,000 yuan in unpaid parking fees.
After being arrested, the man admitted he initially tried the trick out of curiosity. When no action was taken against him after the first few attempts, he became increasingly bold and continued using the method.
Police said the suspect is now being investigated on suspicion of theft and has been placed under criminal detention.
Authorities reminded the public that deliberately evading parking fees is a criminal offence regardless of the amount involved, warning that repeated offences can lead to serious legal consequences.
