Why propose more pay parking machines in central Footscray?
Footscray is one of the busiest inner city suburbs as a growing number of people choose to live, learn, work and visit here. It can often be difficult to find parking.
Our research shows pay parking increases turnover as motorists tend to park within their allocated times. Studies have shown this can enhance retail activity by attracting more visitors to the area.Pay parking is a fairer system as more short term parking is available which decreases time spent looking for a car space. Road safety improves with less cars on the road looking for parking or double parking.
The rollout of pay parking machines is part of the Footscray Central Activity District Parking Management Strategy and has been progressively implemented since 2004.
What studies prove pay parking enhances retail activity?
Donald Shoup, a professor at the University of California, has conducted studies that show pay parking increases parking turnover and decreases time spent looking for car spaces.
Shoup popularised the theory that an 85 per cent occupancy rate of on street parking spaces would be the most efficient use of public parking. When cars at any given destination in a city (a block or group of blocks) occupy more than 85 per cent of on street parking spaces, then cars arriving at that destination are forced to circle the block for a few minutes in order to find an unoccupied parking space. This small search time per car creates a surprisingly large amount of traffic congestion, because typically, many cars are searching for parking simultaneously during peak driving times. This wastes time and fuel as well as increases air pollution. [Link to Wikipedia article]
Shoup’s case studies show the combination of pay parking and government investment in the area resulted in enhanced retail activity.
For more information and articles on pay parking visit:
‘Turning small change into big changes’
‘Cruising for parking’
http://shoup.bol.ucla.edu/GreatStreet.pdf
'The Cost of Free Parking', Christian Seibert, The Australian
'New Meters Aim to Cure Parking Headaches', Ben Worthen, The Wall Street Journal
'Saving the world one parking space at a time', ABC Radio National
What parking research has Maribyrnong City Council conducted?
Council’s Parking Overstay Detection System (PODS) detected a change in parking behaviour once the pay parking machines were installed. Motorists tend to stay in their allocated times when paying for parking.
Is Council investing in central Footscray in 2011/12?
Yes. Over $1.3 million will be invested in 2011/12 including:
- CCTV safety cameras
- Footscray at night lighting
- Leeds Street upgrade
- Byron Street car park upgrade
- Footscray cleansing team
- Greening Footscray plantings
- Pedestrian and cycling initiatives
- Footpath maintenance and upgrades
- Festival City funding for events
- Footscray marketing program
- Parking guidance system
How many proposed pay parking machines will be installed?
Council is proposing to install 69 pay parking machines in central Footscray to increase parking turnover and improve road safety. These parking machines will service approximately 700 pay parking bays (58 multibay meters and 11 ‘pay and display’ machines).
There are already 42 pay parking machines in central Footscray that service approximately 650 pay parking bays. See map of existing and proposed pay parking machines.
We are seeking your feedback on the proposed additional pay parking machines in your area.
What’s the difference between a multi bay pay meter and a ‘pay and display’ parking machine?
The multi bay pay meters are easy to use, and work like this: - Step 1. Find your parking bay number which is painted on kerb and road.
- Step 2. Follow the arrow next to bay number to find the nearest pay meter machine.
- Step 3. Select your parking bay number on the machine keypad.
- Step 4. Insert coins and the screen will display the time you have paid.
A ticket machine is a ‘pay and display’ parking machine.
You’ll find these in car parks and on street parking.
- Step 1. Insert coins and a ticket is dispensed.
- Step 2. The ticket must be right way up inside your car on the dash. These tickets are not transferable to other motorists.
Where does Council propose to install the pay parking machines?
The map shows the area of existing and proposed pay parking machines in central Footscray.
Will you be installing pay parking machines in Yarraville or West Footscray?
At this stage Council is not planning to install pay parking machines in these suburbs. When the Yarraville Seddon Strategy is revised they may be considered for these areas to increase parking turnover and improve road safety.
Will the pay parking time limit change?
Council is not proposing to alter existing on street time limits of 1P and 2P but if you think they should change, we’d like to hear from you.
Parking in Footscray will remain from 8am to 6pm seven days a week.
We are seeking your feedback for on street 1P and 2P time limits in your area.
Will there be more types of parking such as taxi ranks, loading zones, disabled parking bays or 15 minute short term parking?
Council is not proposing to change parking restrictions such as taxi ranks, loading zones, disabled parking bays or short term 15 minute parking but if you think they should change we’d like to hear from you.
We are seeking your feedback on parking restriction in your area.
How much will the fees be?
From 1 July 2011 the parking fee is set at $1.10 per hour between 8am to 6pm. Parking is free outside these times and on public holidays unless stated on the parking signs.
Always check the parking signs carefully.
Our parking fees are considerably less than other inner city councils.
- Port Phillip City Council parking fees are up to $4.00 per hour and all day parking is up to $10.00 per day.
- Yarra City Council parking fees are from $2.80 to $3.30 per hour. There are 6000 on street ticketed car spaces in Yarra municipality.
- Stonnington City Council off street parking fees are up to $2.10 per hour and up to $15 per day.
No. Residents with a valid parking permit will not pay for parking in their street.
What is the decision making process for the proposed pay parking machines?
Council is seeking comments on the proposed rollout of pay parking machines by Wednesday 27 July 2011. All comments will be presented at the Ordinary Council meeting on Tuesday 16 August 2011. Council will consider all comments, research and case studies and make an informed decision.
Council encourages people to have their say and aims to balance the transport needs of visitors, traders, shoppers, workers, students and residents.
Where can I park for more than three hours in central Footscray?
You can park for more than three hours for a fee in the Footscray Market multideck carpark and the Footscray Plaza multideck carpark.
Will the Paisley Street car park remain free on Sundays?
Yes.
How can I provide feedback?
Click a question on the right of this page under 'Current Consultations' and leave a comment.
Click here for more information.
Alternatively you can send us an email or write to us at:
Maribyrnong City Council
PO Box 58
Footscray VIC 3011
When do submission close?
Submission close Wednesday 27 July 2011.
Who can I talk to about the proposed pay parking machines?
Click here for more information.
Alternatively you can send us an email or write to us at:
Maribyrnong City Council
PO Box 58
Footscray VIC 3011
When do submission close?
Submission close Wednesday 27 July 2011.
Who can I talk to about the proposed pay parking machines?
Call us on 03 9688 0200 between 9am to 5pm.
Telephone Interpreter Service
If you have further questions and would like to speak in your language, please call the interpreter service on 13 14 50 and ask them to call Maribyrnong City Council on 03 9688 0200.At this stage Council is not planning to install pay parking machines in these suburbs. When the Yarraville Seddon Strategy is revised they may be considered for these areas to increase parking turnover and improve road safety.
