Victoria Ave parkers can linger longer

Nikki and Sandra from Whanganui District Council will be promoting extended parking time limits on Victoria Ave next week.

The parking time limit in Victoria Ave has been increased to allow people to stay in the central city for longer without having to move.

From Tuesday (May 1) drivers will be allowed to park for up to 90 minutes, up from an hour, while mobility card holders will get an extra 30 minutes on top of paid parking.

The rate $1 per half hour remains unchanged.

Whanganui District Council compliance team leader Warrick Zander said a survey indicated people were generally parking in Victoria Ave longer than an hour and parking spaces closest to the main street were used for the longest amount of time.

The majority of submissions to council's parking management plan and bylaw supported an increase to 90 minutes.

"This means people will be able to do more in the CBD, whether they are there to have lunch, shop, run errands, or attend meetings," Zander said.

"We want the longer stay parking for Victoria Ave to encourage people to stay in the town centre longer which will contribute to the vibrancy we have in our central city.

"We also want to make life easier for people affected by a disability or limited by mobility, so we will be providing an extra 30 minutes of free parking in addition to their paid parking time."

Council is also considering new parking meters for the city to provide more up-to-date parking technology including more payment options.

A review of the Gold Card Scheme will also be undertaken.

Other parking changes to be implemented over the next two years:

*Super Gold Card Holders will be able to park for free, within the time limits of the parking space, between 8am and 11am, Monday to Friday.

*An annual permit will be introduced for tradespeople, delivery people, sales representatives and commercial realtors to enable parking in metered or timed car-parking spaces with an annual permit.

*Campervan parking will be changed from Moutoa Quay north to the entrance of Taupo Quay

*Two 60-minute parking spaces will be added to Bates St, outside the Court House and Plunket