Free CBD parking essential

TOWNSVILLE City Council must reconsider its attitude towards free car parking in the CBD.

Parking is increasingly becoming an issue that deserves attention.

Last financial year, parking inspectors gave out 23,466 fines and pulled in $ 1,370,895 in revenue.

That was an increase of $ 545,895 from the previous year.

Business owners have started a petition calling for free parking to be introduced, warning the lack of free parks is deterring customers.

Mayor Jenny Hill rightly insists the council is focusing on new employment opportunities.

But to keep people employed, businesses need customers and they believe a lack of free parks is keeping them away.

Other cities such as Mackay and Cairns have free parks ranging from half- hour to three- hour time limits.

The example of those cities shows free parking can work.

If someone wants to stop in for a coffee or to pay a bill in Townsville, they shouldn’t always have to pay for parking.

Longer limits on free car parks would allow people to get a hair cut or visit the bank.

It’s understandable that the council wants to stop office workers from taking up car spaces. But the blanket approach isn’t working. Businesses need to have a frank discussion with staff about where they park.

Car parks for workers on the fringes of the city that give all- day discounts is one solution that could work.

Bringing workers into the city by bus is another option.

It’s clear that the CBD is suffering and needs all the help it can get.

Discouraging people from visiting through paid parking isn’t helping anyone.

The council’s coffers might benefit from parking tickets and infringement notices but it will only hurt businesses and eventually the council in the long run.