Melburnians are benefiting from more flexible parking options in the city, using more than 90,000 free 15-minute parking sessions, since parking improvements began in July.
The City of Melbourne is increasing availability of on-street car parks for people running quick errands, keeping more bays turning over to attract more customers.
Parking for 15 minutes or less is now free in any 2-hour space in the central city through the EasyPark app. Parking fees are charged if a parking session is longer than 15 minutes.
Consistent 2-hour paid parking limits are being introduced from 7am to 10pm every day, including Sunday. There has been no increase to the current maximum $7 hourly parking rate.
New parking signage has been installed from Elizabeth Street to Spring Street, between Flinders Street and La Trobe Street. Changes will be rolled out across the rest of the central city by February 2024.
Works completed so far have boosted the number of spaces available to pick-up and drop-off passengers by 63 per cent. The number of loading zone spaces for delivery vans has been increased by 38 per cent.
The parking improvements in the central city are the first in a neighbourhood approach to improve parking across the municipality. We’re working with the community and businesses to make parking simpler, fairer and more reliable – while addressing the differing needs of each neighbourhood.
Southbank and Carlton are the next neighbourhoods under review, with community engagement currently underway online and via in-person workshops.
Visit Participate Melbourne for more information.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“Early data shows our parking improvements are working exactly as intended – keeping spaces turning over outside city businesses, while making it easier to find a park.”
“We’re catering for a range of parking needs and have added more than 200 loading zone and accessible parking spaces for those who need it most.”
“Drivers are embracing the flexibility of our new free 15-minute parking system, which is opening up the city by giving more drivers access to free parking outside more businesses and services.”
Quotes attributable to deputy lead City Transport, Infrastructure and Operations portfolio Councillor Davydd Griffiths
“The community told us they wanted simpler parking signage – and we’re well on the way to replacing the city’s complex signs with versions that are much easier to read on the go.”
“We’re also adding more loading zones in the right locations, so business deliveries can arrive on time and with no fuss.”
Key facts:
- 15-minute free parking sessions in any 2-hour space were introduced in the central city on 3 July 2023. Changes to parking signage began on 17 July.
- Pick-up/drop-off zones have increased by 126 spaces.
- Council has also added 217 loading zone spaces and 19 accessible parking spaces.