CAR parking has long been one of the most talked-about issues in Warrnambool.
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Central business district traders have for years been campaigning for free parking, arguing that paid, metered parking discourages potential customers.
Yesterday, Warrnambool City Council started a two-month trial of free parking in one off-street CBD lot. Under the trial, motorists can park free in Parker’s car park for an hour, providing they get a 60-minute ticket. They can stay beyond the hour by making the appropriate time payment.
The trial might only apply to one parking lot but it’s a good first step.
It goes without saying we all love something for nothing so the prospect of more people using the car park and visiting the CBD, albeit for short times, should increase.
In tough trading times, businesses will argue it’s long overdue.
The council intends to monitor the trial before assessing whether free parking makes a meaningful difference to activity in the CBD. The timing of the trial is peculiar — outside busier periods like school holidays — but on the surface it should still give an insight into motorists’ approach to parking and shopping.
The trial period does include the May Racing Carnival, when the city’s population swells, so it will be good to have some concrete data rather than anecdotal evidence for future decisions.
Should the trial be extended to other car parking lots? Shoppers and traders would argue yes, but the council is right to take a baby step. One of the key issues the council is worried about is traders and their staff occupying prime parking spots close to businesses. By opting for a one-hour free trial, workers are unlikely to abuse the initiative, having more important duties to focus on other than their car.
The trial also won’t stop some shoppers from expecting to get a park outside the one shop they want to visit.
But the prospect of a free park and short walk down a lane or around the corner to Liebig Street is appealing.
It sure beats a fine and has the added benefit of keeping money in the hands of local traders rather than being spent in other cities.