Parking changes to support Brisbane’s recovery as businesses re-open post-coronavirusWith the State Government easing restaurant restrictions this weekend, schools re-opening and many shops and services back to business, Brisbane’s on-street parking and Council car parks will return to normal operations from May 18.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced in March that Council would turn off parking meters and slash car parking fees to help essential services workers who continued to travel to work in frontline roles while the rest of the city was in lockdown.
“Giving residents a relaxation on parking fees helped residents save a little bit of extra money and ease stress during the tough times of coronavirus restrictions but now it’s time for us all to support our struggling businesses,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Turnover of car parks is vital for businesses relying on a stream of shoppers, diners and clients. With free or very cheap parking, there is little turnover of car park spaces as many of the people parking are commuters, not necessarily there to spend money at local businesses.
“Our focus is squarely on Brisbane’s recovery now and for local business that means an injection of cash from residents who want to shop, dine or visit local services; whether it’s their dentist, doctor, hairdresser or accountant,” Cr Schrinner said.
Council switched off almost 1000 parking meters across Brisbane which has saved residents about $2.55 million, and the two Council-owned car parks at King George Square and Wickham Terrace have been available for those having to travel to the city and Fortitude Valley for just $5 a day.
“I am pleased to see Brisbane start to return to normality with many businesses re-opening and people returning to work, this is an amazing achievement for Brisbane as it shows we survived the initial threat of this virus and can now focus on reviving and rebuilding our economy and getting businesses back on their feet.
“To ensure turnover of car park spaces continues into the weekend, the two Council car parks will introduce $5 parking per four hours to ensure as many customers as possible can take advantage of the cheaper parking throughout the day.
“Data shows that under the flat $5 day rate introduced to both Council car parks to help essential workers during the coronavirus crisis there was only one car parking in a bay per day on average, which is half of what it was before the city’s businesses were shut down under government restrictions.
“We need to have turnover of car parks to ensure there is a flow of customers to our struggling city businesses and we are announcing this measure now, so commuters have time to find alternative means of transport into the city.
“Council has always maintained the public transport timetable throughout the crisis so workers and people wanting to travel to the city will have a full timetable of buses and ferries to the CBD.
“Parking meters and regulations are so important in getting the local economy back on its feet by providing access to businesses in a safe and affordable manner.”
From Monday at 7am, 1000 parking meters will be turned on across Brisbane and parking rates at Council car parks will return to normal charges.
Cr Schrinner said Council parking officers would continue to patrol for illegal parking including those who parked in bus stops, loading zones, on yellow lines and in clearways.
“Unsafe parking will not be tolerated, and you will be fined, including for overstaying parking limits.
“From 30 March to 1 May this year we received 1974 complaints about illegal parking, and this resulted in 1976 no value warning notices and 63 infringement notices.
“Council will continue to take a sympathetic view to issuing infringement notices, but community safety will always be a top priority.
“There is absolutely no excuse for parking illegally in bus stops, clearways or on yellow lines and if you do this, you can expect a fine,” Cr Schrinner said.
[Ends] 12 MAY, 2020