Lord Mayor for free parking

Despite long-term campaigning against car usage in Inner Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore has backed a feasibility study into free 15-minute parking.

The study was passed as part of a proposed draft of parking policy, announced at the October 15 Council meeting.

“The challenge for Council is to responsibly manage the limited capacity of parking in the city, and balance the needs of those who have to drive with the serious economic and environmental impacts of congestion,” said a spokesperson for Ms Moore.

The City of Sydney has around 160,000 parking spaces, which averages to 1.75 parking spaces per registered vehicle for locals, compared to a broader Sydney average of three parking spaces. It represents a growing cause of concern for traffic congestion and pedestrian safety, with Sydney having 600,000 people move daily through the CBD.

Liberal Councillor Christine Forster originally proposed the 15-minute free parking.

“It enables people to be able to drive up, access their local shops, patronise those businesses but it keeps parking turning over quickly as well, which obviously is good for the businesses,” said Ms Forster.

“I don’t see that 15-minutes free meter parking in any way would undermine sustainable Sydney 2030. I think the idea is a good one. I think it’s good for the residents and it’s good for the businesses, and on that basis it should go ahead.”

While backing the 15-minute proposal, Ms Moore continues to stress the significance of alternative modes of transport.

“The Lord Mayor believes people need different transport options,” said the spokesperson for Ms Moore. “By making public transport more viable, cycling safer and walking more attractive, congestion will be reduced making it easier for those who do need to drive.”

At the same meeting, a second feasibility study about the relocation of electricity and power cables underground was forwarded by Labor Councillor Linda Scott. It was also approved.

The proposal would seek to coordinate the relocation of all electricity power lines in the city area with the laying of cables for the National Broadband Network as it rolls out over the next two to three years.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to harness the opportunity of a major infrastructure project being rolled out in the Inner City,” Ms Scott said. “It is an extensive exercise, but it will be infinitely cheaper to do it in conjunction with another major infrastructure project for the Federal Labor Government.”

Dates for the two feasibility studies have yet to be specified by Council.

By Patrick Griffiths