Talking Point: No excuses for cracking down on topping up meters

NICK HEATH: We needed to explain better, but reasons for meters are solid.

Hobart City Council is under fire about the new parking meters and how fnes are issued for offences that are not made clear. A 2P parking sign at Salamanca. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

As parking in the CBD has become a major issue over the last few months, I felt it was necessary for the City of Hobart to address some of the misconceptions that have been circulating, but also raise awareness of the laws regarding topping up a meter, and around on and off street parking.

On-street parking spots are a service provided to help with quick visits into the city. For longer visits of a few hours, the multistorey carparks in the city are the best option — and are significantly cheaper. This is designed to encourage people who are parking for long periods to use them, instead of the on-street bays.

We understand that many people have topped up (or fed) parking meters in the past, but this is not allowed under Tasmanian law and never has been.

In fact, in no capital city anywhere in Australia is it legal to top up meters. While I understand it has been common practice for Hobart drivers, the fact is they have been breaking the law when topping up the meter beyond signposted limits.

The reason why this is unlawful is that it has the effect of creating more traffic throughout Hobart City because drivers entering the city are forced to drive further to find a free spot. It is important in the interests of smooth traffic flow that the maximum parking times are adhered to.

‘IGNORANCE NO LONGER AN EXCUSE’ FOR PARKING, SAYS COUNCIL

If everyone topped up their meters for several hours it would create traffic chaos and cause significant aggravation to all road users. For every person feeding the meter, there is another driver who is frustrated as they wait in a queue for a short-term car park.

I understand and appreciate that many people are frustrated with the new parking meters, and I accept there have been some issues in the rollout, for which I apologise. However what this new system does allow us to do now is enforce the long-standing law to prevent people sitting in spots for longer than they are legally entitled to. The new system has an in ground sensor which allows parking staff to be aware at all times of how long you have been there and then enforce the law against feeding meters.

Like the old meters, the new meters don’t know that you have tried to stay in the carpark for longer than is lawful but nor do they take money for more than the allocated time.

Drivers will be prompted to extend their stay but if they insert more money or extend the time beyond the signposted time the system will reject it.

But if a driver stays the full time and then doesn’t leave the parking bay the system will still reset because it is based on the legislation that says your time is up.

Should a driver stay and return to the meter, exactly like the old meters, they will take money that extends your stay.

Now that there are in-ground sensors, the city is aware at all times of how long a car has been parked, and is obliged by the state to enforce the by law.

The onus is now on everyone parking in the CBD to take responsibility for knowing the rules and reading the signs — in the same way that the public is expected to be aware of other laws. Ignorance is no longer an excuse.

We accept that we have not adequately explained the law to people — and this is a big change to how people have parked in Hobart historically.

However, given the huge issues around traffic and adequate parking in the city, I make no apology for the council taking steps to alleviate these problems and help those looking for free spots in the city.

Nick Heath is general manager of Hobart City Council.