Bringing people into the CBD by resolving parking costs. One idea is that people can pick a specific two-hour period each week and a label is issued to them showing that two-hour period (for example 1pm-3pm Wednesday). Once chosen, their time slot is fixed at that time every week.

That specific period is when they can come into the CBD and park for free.

They would still have to find a park, but once found, they simply display their label on the dashboard and they are good to go for that two-hour time frame.

It brings people to the CBD but doesn't clog up parking spaces for long hours.

The two hours gives patrons time to find a park, shop, attend an appointment, meet for lunch and then return to their vehicle.

It is easy to implement, brings people to the centre but also gives good shopper turnaround and would have minimal impact on the current parking revenue.

People could even be charged, say $2, for the label if that is necessary to cover costs.

Obviously anyone who parks longer than their allocated time could be issued with a parking ticket as normal, which could also include the two free hours.

It also means that the CBD can compete again with all the suburban shopping centres where parking is free.

L Badham, Te Puna