Motorists hit with fines as paid parking resumes

The number of parking infringements inspectors handed out on the first day paid parking resumed in Geelong has been revealed.

Inspectors handed out just 19 parking infringements on the first day paid parking resumed across the city, new data has revealed.

It comes as Geelong’s eight-month run of free parking ended on January 4, with the city instead trialling 30-minute free parking in Geelong’s two-hour zones until June 30.

Officials issued three tickets for parking permit areas without a permit, 14 for unauthorised parking in designated areas like loading zones and two for parking incorrectly in the parking bay.

City of Greater Geelong’s acting planning, design and development director Jonathan Daly said there would be an adjustment period for the community in the return to paid parking.

“As the community adjusts to the return of paid parking in central Geelong, officers will show a level of discretion and common sense in conducting their patrols,” he said.

“We encourage motorists visiting central Geelong to adhere to time limits when parking, to park in the correct zones and to take advantage of the 30-minute free parking trial in 2P zones until June 30 2021.”

Under the trial, all motorists will be required to enter their vehicle registration at parking meters.

The city’s system will automatically adjust the charge by 30 minutes, with a limit of one transaction per vehicle per day.

“Council’s excited to resume the trial of free parking in two-hour zones,” Mayor Stephanie Asher said when the change was announced.

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“We know this is an incentive for visitors to stop and shop in the CBD.”

Coins, tap-and-go or an app like EasyPark can be used to pay.

Paper tickets won’t be used, but receipts can be produced on request. Weekend parking remains free, though subject to time limits.

“We also want to examine the impacts it has on usage, turnover and our community and business sectors,” she said.

Greater Geelong’s Park and Ride pay-for-use service has also resumed on weekdays from Upper Hearne Parade in Eastern Park through the city centre.

Find out more: geelongaustralia.com.au/parking

Originally published as Motorists hit with fines as paid parking resumes