Darwin Council hands out more than 470 fines over free parking period
DARWIN Council rangers handed out more than 470 fines in just the 30 days — despite it being free to park in the CBD
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DARWIN Council rangers handed out more than 470 fines in just 30 days — despite it being free to park in the CBD.
Darwin Council’s innovation, growth and development services general manager Josh Sattler said normally rangers gave out “substantially more” fines over the same time period.
“Infringements were down on the usual period — they were fines for overstays, not parking within the lines,” he said.
“It’s a fair way down on what they usually are.”
From Monday, motorists will have to pay to park in Darwin CBD, following council’s 30-day free on-street parking trial.
Looking into the future, Mr Sattler said council would consider making it free to park in Darwin CBD again as feedback from the trial had been fantastic.
Mr Sattler said senior staff would now reach out to retailers to hear their thoughts and get some feedback, before putting together a report for Darwin Council.
“I stayed here over Christmas, and it was relatively quiet from my perspective, but we’ll have to discuss that with retailers,” he said.
“The idea was to activate a little bit more of the city.”
After receiving the report, Darwin Council representatives will decide whether to make it free to park in Darwin CBD over the 2019-20 festive season.
“Expect some changes in the next 12 months,” he said.
“Council will definitely consider (introducing a free parking period) again.”
Mr Sattler reminded Territorians that it would still be free to park in Darwin CBD on weekends.
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Just Looking Boutique owner Suzie Hesketh welcomed the news parking that would remain free on Saturdays, and said the trial had a positive impact on her business.
“My figures are better than this time last night year,” she said.
“It seems to be working.”
Ms Hesketh wanted Darwin Council to make parking in the CBD free on weekdays after 3pm, as a way to attract families after school pick-up.
“We’ve been talking about it for some time, it would be a great idea and it wouldn’t cost council much,” she said.
“If there were families around, it also might encourage cafes to stay open a bit later.”
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