Geelong council has called on community members to give their feedback on its plan to switch to cashless parking meters in the CBD in November.
The proposal comes as digital payments become more common, with 85 percent of drivers paying for parking via card or app.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said councillors were keen to hear from the community about parking payments going completely digital.
“The City reviewed our current parking system and identified clever and creative ways to improve machine reliability for drivers, reduce costs, and optimise productivity,” he said.
“We’ve seen a steady decline in coin payments at the meter with customers preferring to pay via credit/debit card or EasyPark app. Have a think about digital-only payments at parking meters and what the positives or challenges for drivers might be.”
While less than one in six drivers use coins to pay for parking, the cost to the council of collecting cash from meters has increased to more than $250,000 a year.
Under the proposed switch, parking payment options would include credit and debit cards at the meter or online via the EasyPark app, with paper receipts also being phased out in favour of digital ones.
The City also implemented free two-hour parking in all 2P on-street spaces, waiving the usual $3.70 per hour rate and reducing the need for coin collection further.
Deputy mayor Ron Nelson said making the switch to digital parking would be more manageable and efficient for the City, but urged people to consider what the change would mean for them.
“Our data shows that a small proportion of drivers use coins, mostly for shorter parking stays, in central Geelong,” he said.
“With this in mind, there is no need to use coins when accessing free two-hour parking sessions in all 2P on-street spaces.
“Please share your thoughts on this plan and how it will impact you, particularly if you’re part of the 15 per cent who use coins.”
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/digital-parking to give feedback on the proposed change before submissions close on 5pm on Monday, October 15.
