Higher parking for CBD panned

SLUGGING Hobart commuters a higher fee when parking in the CBD during peak hour or implementing a city toll could have a disastrous effect on CBD businesses, says the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The use of “pricing signals to reduce peak-hour traffic movements” is among dozens of measures in a Hobart City Council transport blueprint for the next decade which was released for public consultation yesterday.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage drivers to use alternative modes of transport, especially during peak hour to alleviate traffic woes.

But the chamber’s chief executive Michael Bailey said he was concerned about its effect on businesses.

“There are a whole range things that will reduce traffic flow and I’m not certain increased parking fees is the number one thing on my list,” he said.

“These sort of discussions are important so it’s great to see it under way.”

Mr Bailey also said charging a toll when entering the city would not work either.

“It would have an effect on Hobart’s low socio-economic people more than anybody else. My great concern is having a message that says you have to pay a toll to go into the CBD or pay a higher parking fee is potentially disastrous for CBD businesses.”

Kingborough Mayor Steve Wass said it was great that the Hobart City Council had released a transport strategy but cautioned the council about making any changes that would affect commuters from greater Hobart areas.

“They have to work with all the nearby councils because the Hobart CBD is where a lot of people go to work or to shop,” Cr Wass said.