Free parking starts this weekend

Free weekend parking will start this weekend (25 and 26 May).

On-street CBD parking will be free from 2pm on Saturday and all day on Sunday.

There will also be no time limits during these hours.

Fees and time limits will continue at Council’s off-street car parks*.

Drivers are reminded that normal rules apply to loading zones, taxi zones, bus zones, no-standing zones, disability bays and other restricted parking areas.

Mayor Bob Manning encouraged residents to take advantage of the new free parking to support CBD businesses.

"At the end of the day, it is up to all of us to support the CBD to ensure its future prosperity,” Cr Manning said.

“Providing free parking on Saturday afternoons and all day on Sundays is one way we can encourage residents to come into the city, walk around, browse the shops, have something to eat and enjoy the many great things about our CBD.”

The car parking changes have been fast tracked following Council’s decision on Wednesday. However, it will take several weeks before parking signs and parking machines are updated.

CBD visitors should ignore the parking signs applying to Saturday afternoons and Sundays during the transition and are not required to pay or take a parking ticket to display on their dashboard.

All parking is free on public holidays.

*Council’s off-street car parks are:

The Hartley Street and Bunda Street off-street car parks have always been free on weekends.