Data shows most cheaper CBD parking spots just down the road

MOTORISTS looking for parks in Melbourne’s CBD are paying a premium by not shopping around. Find out where to go for bargain prices.

MOTORISTS looking for parking in Melbourne’s CBD are paying a premium by not shopping around, with savvy drivers saving as much as $65 by heading down the road.

New data obtained by the Sunday Herald Sun shows the city’s cheapest car parks are just a stone’s throw from the most expensive.

According to the figures, collected by mobile parking app UbiPark, the priciest casual parking in the CBD is at 452 Flinders St, charging $25 for the first hour and a maximum rate of $85.

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But just 1.2km down the road, another operator at 88 Flinders St bills customers $4 in the first hour and offers a maximum rate of just $20.

UbiPark CEO Mosstyn Howell said customers could save big by looking for cheaper options.

“There are two types of parkers in the CBD: business drivers not worried about the price, and the people looking for a discount like commuters,” Mr Howell said.

“Your big companies are really good at marketing and promoting their business and people often don’t get enough information. The eastern seaboard of Australia is actually some of the most expensive parking in the world. Many people would walk anywhere between 2km and 3km to their final destination if it could save them some money.”

According to City of Melbourne figures, peak times for parking in the city are between 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 8.30pm. Picture: Mark Stewart

According to City of Melbourne figures, peak times for parking in the city are between 10am to 3pm and 6pm to 8.30pm.

Streets bordering Fitzroy Gardens are the most popular spots in the city’s east while Exhibition, Lonsdale, William and Russell streets were the busiest in the heart of the CBD.

Mr Howell said the council offered some free parking but most meters charged about $5.50 per hour.

“On-street parking is more cost effective throughout the week but some off-street operators are actually cheaper at night and on weekends,” he said. “There’s actually more space on the street than I ever thought would be available in the city, but it’s just not as easily found.”

Top three most expensive casual car parks in the CBD, based on a one-hour rate:

123 Queen Street Car Park — 123 Queens Street $23 first hour/$75 maximum rate

452 Flinders Street Car Park — 452 Flinders Street $25 first hour/$85 maximum rate

Southern Cross Car Park — 121 Exhibition Street $26 first hour/$82 maximum rate

Top three cheapest casual car parks in the CBD, based on a one-hour rate:

Adina Hotel — 88 Flinders Street $4 first hour/20 maximum rate

162 A’Beckett Street — $6 first hour/$24 maximum rate

58 Franklin Street Council House —$8 first hour/33m maximum rate

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