Is Council considering installing paid street parking?

    Council is committed to investigating and implementing other measures before considering introducing metered parking to get the most out of our existing parking assets. This includes the use of technology and expansion of time limited parking to increase parking opportunity.

    While the Strategy does not propose the installation of paid parking, it recommends the issue needs to be openly discussed with the community over the next 10 years, especially in areas of high parking occupancy and demand. 

    Why is Council considering introducing more timed parking?

    The expansion of time limited parking in areas of high parking demand increases parking turnover, allowing more efficient use of existing unrestricted parking. This maximises parking opportunity where it is most needed in and around our town centres. The Strategy includes a ‘parking restriction framework’ (p15) which outlines how parking restrictions are considered.

    What does ‘parking turnover’ mean?

    Parking turnover refers to how often vehicles use a parking space. It means more people have opportunity to access a parking space and the services or facilities nearby.

    How will parking in my local area be impacted?

    Monitoring and evaluating of our delivery of the Strategy will be ongoing and there will be future opportunities for you to keep informed and have your say on any significant parking changes in your local area.

    Will area-based permit parking be introduced?

    Permit parking schemes involve issuing permits to authorised users such as local residents and/or businesses, which exempt them from having to comply with time limited parking restrictions in their area. There are no plans under this Strategy to introduce area-based permit parking schemes.

    Why doesn’t Council build more car parking lots?

    Among other reasons outlined in the Strategy, parking lots are expensive to provide. This Strategy encourages more efficient use of existing parking supply and promotion of active or alternative transport options.

    What technology options does Council intend on using to improve parking availability?

    We want to encourage the use of mobile applications which can provide real-time information on parking restrictions to allow people to better plan their journeys and/or direct them to areas of available parking.

    The use of camera and sensor technology that monitors parking availability is increasingly being used by councils and other parking authorities. In conjunction with appropriate time limited restrictions, the use of this technology is successful in reducing overstay parking.