By Luke Voogt
Motorists will get an hour of free parking in two-hour (2P) zones beginning next Monday, which Geelong deputy mayor Trent Sullivan says will increase retail spending.
“Data shows that the typical length of stay in a 2P park is 58 minutes,” he said.
“So this initiative has been introduced to help extend the time of these visits and provide more opportunity for spending.
“This is an innovative solution that benefits both the businesses and visitors to central Geelong.”
The initiative, costing $2.1 million in 2021-22, replaces a council trial offering free parking for the first 30 minutes in 2P zones.
Brownbill ward councillor Eddy Kontelj described the “compromise” as a “huge step forward” following his long-term campaign for free two-hour parking.
His campaign clashed with a council officer report in March finding his proposal had “no tangible or intangible benefits” for the wider community.
“Is [this new initiative] ideal, no, I’d love free two-hour parking at all times – that’s what I was fighting for,” Cr Kontelj said.
But he said the compromise would still deliver a “much-needed boost” for CBD businesses, after an “incredibly tough” 2020, by drawing people into the city and encouraging them to stay longer.
“We want visitors to the CBD to have an exceptional experience, where it is easy to do business, shop and socialise.”
The additional hour is provided to the vehicle, rather than to a fixed parking bay, meaning motorists can switch to another park during the two hours.
