Appeal to review meters city wide

ON-STREET parking meters in Salamanca and across the Hobart CBD should be reviewed, says an Alderman who is set to move a motion at the next Hobart council meeting.

Alderman Marti Zucco said businesses in Salamanca and the CBD were doing it tough.

“It is obvious that the current Covid-19 crisis is affecting businesses and the general public in Hobart Tasmania with Salamanca and the CBD being impacted by the pandemic,” Ald Zucco said.

“Understanding that the HCC has provided a range of business support under Covid, there seems to also have been an impact due to the increasing cost of parking.

“It is evident that the recent increases in on-street parking has impacted on businesses in these areas and that an evaluation and consultation with business is imperative.”

Ald Zucco will move that Hobart council:

RE-EVALUATE on-street parking meters in Salamanca and the Hobart CBD in relation to the potential impact of the recent parking fee increase.

THAT the CEO consult with business owners about current street parking requirements.

THAT a “shop and save” initiative be introduced, where shoppers can receive discounts.

THAT the CEO prepare a report that evaluates the re-establishment of a “parking fund”, which would change how revenue generated from parking would be distributed.

“Traders have expressed their concerns and it’s been brought to the attention of the HCC and an evaluation would demonstrate that the HCC is listening,” Ald Zucco said.

“I have personally spoken to a vast number of traders who are frustrated and concerned.”

The motion comes after the council hooded parking meters in North Hobart following community concerns they were contributing to a loss of business in the area.

Ald Zucco had moved for the meters, which were introduced earlier this year, to be suspended earlier but the council held off to consider a report by the City of Hobart CEO Kelly Grigsby, which was released four weeks later.

Last Monday Ms Grigsby recommended the meters be hooded and that a campaign be launched to draw more visitors to North Hobart.

The council operates 2047 paid parking spaces, with the hourly rate of 828 bays increased from $3.50 to $5 in July.

There are 1219 bays which cost between $2 and $3 an hour, while 440 bays operated by the council are free.

Ald Zucco said parking rates in other states did not justify the price increases.

“It’s been noted that other capital cities’ parking is far more expensive than Hobart, the issue is that the City of Hobart is surrounded by three well established local governments that boast free parking,” Ald Zucco said.

The motion will go before the council on October 11.