Win for scooters, while motorists see red

BY PATRICK BILLINGS

Motorists will have to dig a little deeper when leaving their cars in the inner city, with parking fees increasing by as much as 100 per cent in some areas.

Buried in the City of Sydney’s Corporate Plan for 2008/2009 is the first parking fee increase in eight years. In the CBD, rates are now $5.50 an hour on weekdays, while in East Sydney they have risen from $3.30 to $4.40. Weekend and evening parking in parts of Surry Hills increased from $1.10 to $2.20.

Sydney is currently ranked among the most expensive cities in the world for parking. In a survey by the property group Colliers International, Sydney was ranked third behind London’s CBD and London’s West End theatre district.

City of Sydney council claimed the fee increases promote the Lord Mayor’s vision for a greener, less congested CBD.

“The city is committed to encouraging alternative sustainable transport use such as walking, cycling and public transport,” said a council spokesman, who added that the rises are below inflation and will encourage greater parking turnover. But according to Surry Hills Business Alliance chairman, Bryan Adams, the price hikes may do more harm than good.

‘Business people are up in arms about it, ‘ he said. ‘Council does everything it can to deter business from making a profit, it’s just pathetic.’

Others in the local business community have also questioned the council’s motivation. ‘If it’s part of an overall strategy, to curb cars coming into the city, then yes I’m for it,’ said president of the City East Precinct Committee, Sue Hanley. ‘But if it’s just a quick grab for cash then no.’

When asked if a budget shortfall prompted the price rise, the council spokesman responded: ‘There is no problem with the budget, I can assure you of that.’

Last Thursday the Lord Mayor announced a plan exempting motorcycle and scooter riders from paying for parking on city streets.

‘More motorists are feeling the pinch of petrol prices and are switching to motorbikes which can consume up to four times less fuel than a car while being easier to park,’ Ms Moore said.

Liberal mayoral candidate Shayne Mallard called the plan a political stunt. “When the Lord Mayor is seen on the evening news riding a motor bike through the city like the BBC’s Jennifer Paterson, then you know an election is not far away.’