Your Say: Extended paid parking

Posted on 8 June, 2015

In this weekly street series, we pick a hot topic of the week and ask for your thoughts…

Last week as part of the ACT budget, the government announced that from September 2015, drivers will pay to park at London Circuit, the Civic Pool, near Commonwealth Avenue and at the Canberra Institute of Technology until 10.30pm on weekdays and from 9am until 10.30pm on weekends. The announcement fuelled criticism from business owners, who say it will drive down patronage and profits.

So this week we set out to ask members of the community, “What are your thoughts on the government’s plan to introduce paid parking for after hours and weekends in the city? ” 

“I really don’t think we need it, I don’t think we’re a big enough city yet and I think it could deter people from coming in to the city, which is the opposite of what we want.” Emma, Belconnen. 

“I think it’s not good for the city, because it means people who usually come in the evenings for social events may not go now, so it may affect the atmosphere. I used to drive to work, but paid parking has become so expensive that I have to catch the bus.” Mohan, Gungahlin

“I think most of the public’s not going to like it but I have the opinion that the government is doing it for a reason. I chose to live in the city and that’s partly so I don’t have to pay for parking. But there are people who have low-paying jobs who don’t live in the city who won’t be able to afford it.” Avalon, Turner.

“It’s not ideal, particularly with the introduction of paid parking in Barton already. I work in the city and drive in, so it will affect me.” Nicole, Macgregor.

“I think it will be interesting to see if it deters people from coming in to Canberra City, rather than going somewhere like Kingston where the parking is free. I catch the bus now to the city for work for that reason, because the parking has become too expensive.” Amy, Page. 

What do you think? We’d like to hear your thoughts too! If you have an opinion, leave your comment below. 

Photography by Hayley O’Neill. Interviews by Laura Edwards. Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock.