Horsham Embraces Free Parking, Reports Positive Impact
Last year, the Horsham Rural City Council removed parking meters from its main street. This decision has led to positive outcomes, including an increase in store visitors and higher sales.
Shop owner Ray Hermans reported a noticeable increase in store visitors, longer customer stays, and higher sales after the removal of the meters. He had previously observed that the paid parking system, which required a phone application, was often perceived as inconvenient and frustrating by users.
Hermans indicated that the primary deterrent was the process of using the machines rather than the cost itself.
Under the former system, parking was free for the first 30 minutes, followed by a charge of $1.50 per hour.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Brian Klowss stated that the removal of paid parking has had a positive effect on the community and contributed to the revitalization of the city. Shopkeepers have reported increased customer traffic in the central business district (CBD). Klowss noted that the previous meter system, requiring apps or specific payment methods, was particularly challenging for elderly residents and visitors. The council also reported that the parking meters had been operating at a small financial loss.
Ararat Discontinues Paid Parking for Financial and Community Benefit
In a similar strategic shift, the Ararat Rural City Council implemented a change in mid-2020 by discontinuing paid parking. Mayor Bob Sanders cited financial reasons, stating that the council was incurring losses due to the costs associated with collecting money from meters and the frequent repairs required for older parking meter units.
Rather than paid parking, the council opted to enforce a two-hour parking limit instead. Sanders reported improved local satisfaction and a revitalized CBD following the change.
Swan Hill Retains Paid Parking for Space Turnover
In contrast to Horsham and Ararat, the Swan Hill council maintains its paid parking system. Mayor Stuart King stated that paid parking encourages the turnover of parking spaces, which benefits retailers and ensures greater availability of car parks. The current cost for parking in Swan Hill is $1.40 per hour.
King mentioned that during a suspension of paid parking during the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers observed instances of individuals occupying CBD parking spaces for extended durations without necessarily patronizing local businesses. This observation reinforced the council's decision to continue with paid parking. Revenue generated from metered parking is specifically allocated towards the maintenance and construction of car parks.
Steve Colombo of the business group Swan Hill Incorporated acknowledged that while free parking is desirable, overstaying short-term limits is a common issue. He noted that the paid element of parking helps to mitigate instances of overstaying.
Mildura: A History Without Paid Parking
The Mildura Rural City Council has not implemented paid parking in its history. Mayor Ali Cupper indicated that paid parking has not been considered an issue in the region's largest city, and there has been no expressed interest from council members to introduce such a system.