Council says 'no' to CBD pay and display parking extension

5 November 2009

A proposal to extend Pay and Display parking in Auckland's CBD to 10pm will not go ahead in the wake of the results of a public consultation process.

Instead, the council's Transport Committee elected to retain the status quo - free on-street parking after 6pm.

More than 1500 responses were received with more than 80% opposed. The proposal was designed to help drivers seeking evening access to retail, hospitality and entertainment businesses in the central city.

Transport Committee chair Ken Baguley says the council will instead work proactively with Auckland's business associations and other key stakeholders to identify potential solutions for specific parking capacity problems.

"It's no secret that in some parts of Auckland, the demand for on-street parking far outstrips availability, and we need to consider how best to address the issue. Council will continue with a limited trial in the Viaduct area to monitor occupancy rates and will evaluate the results in February," says Councillor Baguley.

"Council's role will be to work alongside stakeholder groups like the CBD board and Heart of the City to help establish targeted parking solutions which encourage more Aucklanders to access the city's entertainment precincts."