Noosa Council’s evaluation on parking trial suggests enforcement measures, car park boom gates

A review into the Noosa Council’s holiday parking trial has recommended “enforcement measures” and boom gates be installed to ease traffic chaos during peak season.

Holiday traffic jam on Hastings street in Noosa as crowds pack in to the popular tourist town. Photo Lachie Millard

An evaluation into the Noosa Council’s holiday parking trial has recommended “enforcement measures” and boom gates be installed to ease traffic chaos during peak season.

The Car Park Tech Trial involved eight signs, positioned on the main roads into the Noosa Heads precinct, informing drivers on the vacancy levels in each of the popular car parks, including Main Beach and The Woods.

The signs were operational for 38 days, from December 9 to January 21, and aimed to reduce the number of drivers circulating full car parks creating high levels of congestion.

The trial did not involve paid parking.

Noosa Council’s evaluation of the Car Park Tech Trial by the general committee was published on Monday, revealing a significant portion of drivers still entered the car parks despite the signs indicating they were full.

“Each location had significant vehicles entering car parks while full, showing that even with the signage, on most days about 30-50 per cent more people looked to park, than there was parking available,” the report stated.

“Cars continuously entered the car park in search of the elusive car space even though the parks are at capacity.

“Indicating a solution such as boom gates may be beneficial to restricting access once full, to keep vehicles moving.”

A pubic survey revealed about 50 per cent of drivers changed their parking plans after seeing the signs.

The Noosa Council's Car Park Tech Trial was carried out over 38 days.

The trial also found 134 cars overstayed each day, according to the report, necessitating “enforcement measures” in the future.

“The car park tech trial revealed approximately 134 overstays per day in timed car parks, leading to a reduction in available spaces due to decreased turnover,” the report stated.

“This situation necessitates considering enforcement measures and presents an opportunity to collect approximately $10,000 in daily revenue.”

Acting Infrastructure Services Director Shaun Walsh said the council has made no final decision on its next steps.

“The trial was run over 38 days during Christmas-New Year and provided significant valuable information and suggestions,” Mr Walsh said.

“There are no plans to implement any strategic changes until the Parking Management Plan is completed, which will include future engagement and discussion with the community.”

The trial cost ratepayers a total of $135,000 across the 38 days, with stage two not expected to go ahead until after the Parking Management Plan is complete.

According to the report 14,000 cars were recorded per day travelling into Noosa during the peak time between Christmas and New Year’s.

Originally published as Noosa Council’s evaluation on parking trial suggests enforcement measures, car park boom gates