Parking inspectors set to return as free parking ends in City of Melbourne
Parking inspectors are returning to slug motorists with fines once more, as more people opt to drive around the City of Melbourne. But some will get to keep their free parking privileges. Here’s why.
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The grey ghosts are back after a brief hiatus, with parking inspectors returning to slug motorists from Monday as more people move around the City of Melbourne.
Restricted parking will be back from May 11 but frontline staff will be given access to free temporary permits to ensure they can still park close to work in the municipality.
It comes after the Herald Sun this week revealed traffic was on the rise again in Melbourne after slumping to record lows in the first weeks of April.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said more people were coming to the CBD so parking fees were needed once more to move cars along and support city traders.
“At the start of lockdown, Melbourne’s streets were empty and it was appropriate to have temporary unrestricted parking in areas with green signs to support workers who were still required at their workplace,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Vehicles are now returning to the city and traders and residents have called for greater turnover of car parks outside their homes and businesses to welcome customers and visitors.
Thousands of extra daily trips were recorded on key Melbourne corridors in the last week of April as motorists people begin to move more freely around the city.
In March, the City of Melbourne waived parking restrictions for more than 8700 spaces with green signs.
But the decision also hit a key source of revenue and Ms Capp said the council normally recorded a million parking payments every month.
“Parking enforcement is a necessary and important service to ensure that all drivers have fair access to car parks,” she said.
“While nobody likes to pay for parking or receive a fine, our experience tells us that most people understand the need for this system.”
Frontline workers from Victoria Police, Melbourne Assessment Centre and eight inner-city hospitals will be able to claim the permits with their employers and they will be reviewed every month or until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
“We are issuing green dashboard stickers for up to 8,000 frontline workers to recognise their role in responding to COVID-19,” Ms Capp said.
“From Monday May 11, you will need to pay to park in the city if you haven’t been issued with one of these permits.”
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