A free parking trial in Tauranga's central business district appears to have been a success.
An interim report presented to the Projects, Services and Operations Committee yesterday showed the Saturday city centre free parking trial appears to be successful.
'The trial of free on-street parking was initiated in December 2018 to support the retail sector,” says a council spokesperson.
From 15 December 2018, on-street parking charges were removed on Saturdays; the time limits were left unchanged.
'Available data suggests that more people are now parking in the core retail area on Saturdays.
'Additionally, Downtown Tauranga say that retailers are satisfied with the trial, that there have been no reports of unhappy customers about not being able to find a parking space, and that they support the continuation of the trial.”
On Wednesday, councillors confirmed that the one-year trial should continue and a report with a full assessment be presented to Council later in the year, after the local elections.
'The new Council will decide on continuing, extending, or discontinuing the trial.
'Parking in all on- and off-street areas, including both car park buildings, is free at weekends and on public holidays, however time limits may still apply in some areas.”
2 comments
Oh really.
Posted on 28-06-2019 20:42 | By Accountable
Of course free parking is a success and the retailers have been telling Council this for years. We could once again have a very successful and vibrant CBD if they were to implement the same free parking every day but with the proviso that it would have a three hour time restriction. The time restriction would discourage our valued workers from parking in the one place for free all day. The Council must also cease from leasing the parking buildings to long stay parkers and free up the parking for the much needed customers who are struggling to find satisfactory parking in the CBD at present. Maybe this is all to simple for the Councillors and some of the Council staff to comprehend. Roll on the next elections
Its not free parking
Posted on 28-06-2019 21:32 | By Sky
This heading is misleading. Its not free parking, its subsidized parking. We all pay for free parking though our rates even if we don't use the parking. It should be user pays. Or if shops in town want free parking for their customers, they should provide it for free themselves. Tauranga will remain the most car-dependant city in New Zealand with policies like this.
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