The new Mackay Street carpark opposite The Thames-Coromandel District Council's office in Thames is now opened to the public.

Developed by the Thames Community Board, it provides all day parking with no time restrictions and should help reduce excessive traffic movements and parking congestion in Pollen Street.

Contractors putting some finishing touches on the new Mackay Street carpark earlier this month. Photo: TCDC/Facebook

Council says it is now encouraging Pollen Street business owners to get have their staff use the new carpark and the all-day parks provided at Danby Field in Queen Steet

'We're also planning to offer Thames businesses the option to purchase reserved parking for their exclusive use within business hours.

'A limited number of parks in the Mackay St car park will be made available for this in the near future.”

While most of the painted markings are now completed, council says there are still minor works to finish but will not stop the carpark from being used.

This includes the pedestrian connection from the carpark to the council side of the road, the last on-street garden, access from the new disabled car parks to the footpath, as well as painting directional arrows plus entrance and exit signs.