Free ride on some CBD streets to end with new parking roll out

A free ride for motorists on some CBD streets will soon come to an abrupt end when Cairns Regional Council stings drivers for cash in previously free spaces. SEE THE LIST OF CHANGES

A FREE ride for motorists on some CBD streets will soon come to an abrupt end when Cairns Regional Council brings in paid parking on cross streets between the Esplanade and McLeod St.

Changes come into effect from July 1.

Drivers using some parking spaces on McLeod, Sheridan, Grafton, Abbott, and Aplin streets will now be hit in the hip pocket in a move to align the area north of Aplin St with the broader CBD parking regulations.

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The single biggest change will be the shift of free three hour parking on the western side of Grafton, Sheridan and McLeod streets to three hour paid parking.

New eight hour paid parking on the eastern side of Sheridan St will be capped at $4 per day – previously the area was a free three hour zone.

A council spokesman said pay and display machines and updated signage would be installed in the coming weeks.

“Parking hours are between 8.30am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 8.30am and 2pm on Saturday, charged at $1.80 an hour – except the new $4 per day fee for Sheridan St,” he said.

“Motorists are also reminded there are off-street car parks at strategic locations in the city, including Lake St, Grafton St and at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.”

Originally published as Free ride on some CBD streets to end with new parking roll out