Free parking for troubled zone

Revamp work on Cameron St in Whangarei’s CBD has seen the council heed a plea from business owners in the area and offer free parking. Photo / John Stone

Businesses' pleas have prompted Whangarei District Council to offer an hour's free parking to those braving the disruption in the CBD caused by the $2.7 million revamp of Cameron St Mall.

Manager of Shirley's Photo Centre Megan Johnston said she was "very happy" the council had addressed the parking problems created by roadworks, expected to last until November.

"Hopefully it will encourage a few more people into town," she said, adding that business had been difficult since works began, ridding the street of its parking as well as spaces on John St.

"It's bad days and average days at the moment. Honestly, I'm trying to ignore it [the construction]. When it's been done, it's done."

WDC group manager of district living Paul Dell said the move to turn a section of Cameron St and James St into a pedestrian-friendly laneway had prompted concerns over parking from businesses.

The council will allow free parking for one hour on Vine St or on the top level of the Central City Carpark, on the corner of John St and Robert St.

"A number of business owners have requested that council consider allowing some free parking in the area until the main ground works construction is completed," Mr Dell said.

Under the proposal, parking in the two areas will be free for one hour if the vehicle has no ticket or one hour past the expiry time if the parking ticket has already been purchased and placed.

As the use of the highest floor of the 80 top floor parks at Central City was minimal, the cost to the council was negligible. The council will run the free parking scheme as a six-month trial.