Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has announced Brisbane’s parking meters will be turned off and fees halved at the Council’s two major car parks from tomorrow.

Cr Schrinner said his Council’s latest economic stimulus measure would help the thousands of Brisbane businesses hit hard by a downturn in trade throughout the COVID-19 Omicron case wave.

“We are dedicated to being the most small business friendly local government in Australia and our free parking initiative to stimulate the economy is another example,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Last month we waived $5 million in fees, charges and rents for businesses and community groups hit during the current downturn and this took our commitment towards recovery measures to more than $63 million.

“To coincide with many offices reopening and school returning fully, we are switching off Brisbane’s park meters and halving the cost of Council’s car parks.

“We want to attract people back to our major shopping areas to help businesses survive and continue employing people because this will ensure Brisbane’s economy recovers quicker.

“Hopefully our free and half priced parking will prompt people to catch up with friends, enjoy a meal out and indulge in a bit of retail therapy, all of which will help businesses that have done it tough.”

The new measure will involve switching off the meters for Brisbane’s 7869 metered parking spaces, which are mostly in inner-city areas, and halving the prices at the King George Square and Wickham Terrace car parks.

Brisbane Infrastructure Committee Chair Andrew Wines said the measure will save motorists about up to $17.50 a day at off-street car parks and between $1.20 to $5.50 an hour at parking meters.

“We’re hoping people will be able to spend a little extra as a result,” Cr Wines said.

However, motorists have been warned that parking limits will remain along with fines for people who park longer than allowed.

“You don’t have to pay for parking, but motorist have to remember that they can’t overstay the parking limit,” Cr Wines.

“Our officers will still be enforcing limits because parking space turnover will mean more people benefit and the dividend to business from this measure should be even better.”

1080x1080_FreeParking_SC_v2_DETAILS:

  • From Wednesday 8 February and for the remainder of the month all of Brisbane’s parking meters will be turned off.
  • There is no need to pay at parking meters, but the time limit of the parking space remains and will be enforced.
  • Council’s two major car parks – King George Square and Wickham Terrace – will be half price.