30 minutes free parking for main streets

Leichhardt has become the first council in Sydney to implement permanent 30-minute free parking on its main streets.

The unanimous decision ensures all main streets in the area have 30 minutes free parking, including at Norton St in Leichhardt and the length of Darling St from Rozelle to Balmain.

Greens Councillor Daniel Kogoy said that due to serious congestion on main roads, Council needed to free up public space and encourage other modes of transport.

“To revitalise our main streets and laneways, we need to open them up to more walking, cycling, motorcycles, car share, better public transport and public space initiatives,” he said.

“That is why we Greens are fighting for more and better bike paths, light rail down Parramatta Rd and into Balmain, Sunday streets, and for a community shuttle bus down Johnston St, Annandale to Rozelle, Balmain and Newtown.”

Liberal Councillor Vera-Ann Hannaford said that although a 15-minute free parking allowance was already in operation, it was not enough time to socialise with neighbours and shop.

“There was a worry there would be not enough time to shop and stop have a chat. There are spaces but they are not available for long enough for people to enjoy the local community,” she said.

The results of the Leichhardt Council parking survey seem to reflect the residential concerns. 74 per cent of respondents said the change would make it easier for them to find a space.

Leichhardt Mayor Darcy Byrne said the survey was the largest undertaken in Council’s history and displayed the most pressing case for change.

“This was the most comprehensive consultation undertaken by Council in years and the response was overwhelming – less than two per cent of residents wanted to return to the status quo,” he said.

“Our aim is to provide an incentive for people to shop locally and 30 minutes gives shoppers the certainty they need.”