Freebie parking revival
More city shoppers tip
GEELONG’S free parking trial will begin on Monday, in what local traders are calling a welcome “morale-booster”.
The 12-month trial will provide a free 30-minute period in two-hour zones on weekdays, and will introduce a ticketless pay-by-plate system, new parking app and licence plate recognition.
The ticketless system will require all drivers to input their vehicle registration details when parking in town, putting an end to printed tickets.
The pay-by-plate technology was met with concerns by Geelong motorists when announced earlier this year, particularly around being unable to pass on unexpired tickets, and also potential privacy breaches.
An EasyPark app will also be introduced allowing motorists to pay for parking without going to a meter, and also top up soon-to-expire sessions remotely.
But, the app is not free — charging either $1.99 per month and 2.25 per cent on top of every transaction, or simply 10 per cent on every transaction.
Piano Bar owner Andy Pobjoy said the trial couldn’t have come at a better time for local traders, as business ramps up ahead of the holiday season.
“It’s perfect, it couldn’t have come at a better time in the lead up to Christmas,” Mr Pobjoy said.
“It’s a great signal that central Geelong’s open for business, come in and explore, come in and do what you need to do, don’t be scared to park your car … It couldn’t happen at a better time, everyone’s pumped.
“Honestly, it’s a little morale-booster to us all.”
Councillor Eddy Kontelj, who led the push for the trial, said he hoped the free parking would attract more people to central Geelong.
“The free CBD on-street 2P parking has the potential to positively impact so many areas of our lives,” Cr Kontelj said. “It will encourage people back into the CBD to shop, socialise and conduct business. It will assist with the cost of living and bring more people into the town, which will also potentially have a positive impact on security and safety and lift the spirits of the community.
“Free CBD parking is not the event, but it is the enabler that will make the event a huge success.”
Cr Kontelj said the free 30minute period could also be seen as a minimum 25 per cent discount to those parking in the city, but conceded it was not long enough.
“The only con, is it should have been longer and more broader,” he said. “It’s not enough. It should be longer, and I’d like it to be longer.”
The trial is forecast to cost the council about $2 million in lost revenue, and will be terminated on June 30 next year if no provision is made for the cost in the 2020-21 Budget.