Parking meters across the city will be turned back on from Monday, while council car parks will return to normal pricing

City commuters taking advantage of free parking spaces across Brisbane may need to look elsewhere from next week as thousands of meters go back online.

FREE parking across the city will end next week as Brisbane City Council plans to turn the street meters back on.

From 7am, Monday, 1000 parking meters will be turned back on across Brisbane and parking rates at council car parks will return to normal charges.

In March, the council announced it would turn off almost 1000 parking meters and reduce parking fees in council operated car parks to help essential services workers during the height of the COVID-19 restrictions.

“With free or very cheap parking, there is little turnover of car park spaces as many of the people parking are commuters, not necessarily there to spend money at local businesses,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.

“Turnover of car parks is vital for businesses relying on a stream of shoppers, diners and clients.”

Council switched off almost 1000 parking meters across Brisbane which has saved residents about $2.55 million.

The two council-owned car parks at King George Square and Wickham Terrace were available for a reduced $5 a day.

Parking in the city. Pic Annette Dew

“We need to have turnover of car parks to ensure there is a flow of customers to our struggling city businesses and we are announcing this measure now, so commuters have time to find alternative means of transport into the city,” Cr Schrinner said.

Council parking officers would continue to patrol for illegal parking including those who parked in bus stops, loading zones, on yellow lines and in clearways.

Between March 30 and May 1, the council received 1974 complaints about illegal parking, and this resulted in 1976 warning notices and 63 infringement notices.

“Council will continue to take a sympathetic view to issuing infringement notices, but community safety will always be a top priority,” Cr Schrinner said.

“There is absolutely no excuse for parking illegally in bus stops, clearways or on yellow lines and if you do this, you can expect a fine,” Cr Schrinner said.