Media release

Parking changes to meet needs of shoppers and commuters

Posted On: Wednesday, 7 December 2005

Demand by shoppers and retailers for parking closer to the CBD shops has prompted changes in parking charges and time limits being approved by Council.

The 2005 Annual Residents Survey (released in August) identified central city parking, or the lack of it, as a major issue.

Transport committee chairman Dave Macpherson says Council's strategy for CBD parking is to provide sufficient all-day commuter parking at a reasonable cost.

"Providing this commuter parking will free up on-street parking in retail areas for shoppers."

Key elements of the current changes proposed are:

• Building the new 450-car commuter parking building in Knox Street
• Establishing a free inner-city shuttle bus service, connecting major commuter parking areas and shopping precincts
• Shortening time limits and increasing hourly rates for on-street parking to make these much less attractive for all-day commuters and increase parking turnover
• Continuing to provide cheap ($4.50 a day) all-day commuter parking around the edge of the CBD.

Other issues being considered in the near future include:

• Provision of a major car park/office block at the River Road car park site on the east side of the river
• The need for major changes to parking meters as a result of the July 2006 coinage changes.
  

New parking provisions are being developed in conjunction with the Access Hamilton transport strategy, as well as the recently adopted CBD development strategy.

Councillor Macpherson says Council recognises that private cars and car parking must be sensibly provided for into the future.

"We want shoppers and residents to feel it is worthwhile travelling into the city centre to visit the huge range of specialist shops, restaurants and other destination on offer. Equally, it's important all employees in the CBD have access to efficient public and private transport systems."

Council is expected to pass the transport committee's recommendations on the CBD parking review and Knox Street car park tomorrow [Wednesday 7 December] at the full Council meeting.

ENDS

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Name:  Councillor Dave Macpherson
Designation:  Transport Committee Chairman
Tel (Direct):  07 838 6438
Mobile:  021 477 388
Email:  dave.macpherson@hcc.govt.nz

Name:  Curt Christiansen
Designation:  Communication Executive
Tel (Direct):  07 838 6803
Mobile:  021 775 651
Fax (Direct):  07 838 6761
Email:  curt.christiansen@hcc.govt.nz