Free CBD parking offer ends

FROM next week Townsville City Council will revert to its “normal” CBD parking arrangements and slash the free two hour parking.

The 15-minute free parking offer will be retained and the free two-hour parking spaces will return to pay and display from Monday.

The council created the two-hour free parking to help flood-affected residents access services in the city.

Committee Health and Environment Committee chair Cr Ann-maree Greaney said the CBD was resuming normal business.

“We wanted to reduce the congestion around the Community Recovery Hub and the Small Business Recovery Centre in the city and the feedback has been positive,” she said.

“However, it’s now time to revert to normal parking arrangements.”

Cr Mark Molachino said 15minute free parking was only valid in two-hour pay and display zones.

“It’s a great initiative but residents have to make sure they obtain a parking voucher and display it at all times,” he said.

“Parking officers will give people 15 minutes grace on paid 2P parking vouchers but the rules will be enforced as normal in other areas.”