Parking changes up for consultation

The Palmerston North City Council has announced proposed changes to parking organisation in the city, which are now up for public consultation.

The Proposed Parking Management Plan suggests various changes to be rolled out in the next three years.

PNCC senior transportation engineer Glenn Connelly prepared the plan and said council was committed to their vision of being recognised as a vibrant, caring, innovative, sustainable and prosperous city.

PNCC is already trialling two parking initiatives designed to make it easier for people to spend longer in the CBD. Until the end of April, CBD parking on Saturday mornings is free until 11am. Time limits in metered spaces have also been extended from two hours to three until the end of June.

Recommendations in the plan include introducing time limits to streets in the Pak'nSave, Plaza and IRD area and extending existing time limits in the wider hospital area.

Solutions to excessive amounts of unused parking are also on the agenda. For example, street parking fees could be reduced for meters along King, Linton, Walding and Cuba Streets.

The plan proposes trialling one hour's free parking in metered spaces within the King Street Car Park. It also recommends considering alternative uses for the off-street carparks in Ngata and Amesbury Streets. Other proposals include promoting leased parking and reviewing the number of mobility parks and loading zones.

Council would like to hear from the public in regards to these proposed changes. The final proposals will be brought before Council once feedback has been considered.

The Proposed Parking Management Plan at pncc.govt.nz/parking. Consultation is open until April 19.