Cr Hulin will put forward a notice of motion at next week’s council meeting, proposing changes to the controversial parking system currently in place.

He wants a reduction in the timed meter charges in the Warrnambool CBD to change to 10am to 4pm, instead of 9am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday.

He is also proposing free parking on Saturdays and the continuation of free 90 minute parking in the Ozone and Parkers car parks. 

Cr Hulin said his plan could help with the city’s revitalisation. 

He would like to see it trialled over a 12-month period. 

“We have to reinvigorate the central business district,” he said.

“It has been to hell and back with the rejuvenation.”

He said an hour of free parking in the morning and afternoon could help entice people to shop and do their business during those hours. 

“This is a way of helping people who find the meters difficult to use,” Cr Hulin said.

“It gives them an opportunity to come into the CBD without the constraints of meters.”

Cr Hulin said free parking on Saturdays would be a draw-card for shoppers.

“If we can get Saturday free, it will get the place bubbling again,” he said.

The new parking meters have been a hot topic in Warrnambool for the past few months since 80 new meters were installed.

Cr Hulin also suggested there could be more meters installed at closer intervals to each other. He said parking meters were never installed as revenue raisers, but were to regulate the times people spent in them and discourage workers from parking all day. As part of the city centre renewal business support package, the council is currently providing free 90-minute parking in the Ozone car park.

The notice of motion will be brought forward on Monday at 5.45pm at the council chambers.