General News
30 June, 2025
Council to remove parking meters in Horsham CBD
The Horsham Rural City Council has officially resolved to discontinue the use of parking meters in the Central Business District, following overwhelming community and business support for free two hour parking.
The decision follows extensive public engagement, with over 1800 responses from residents and visitors, and a separate survey of 73 local business owners.
Mayor Ian Ross said the system has been running at a loss and the outcome had been the best way to address that, and the public response had been overwhelming.
"Data collected showed an immediate uptick in business in the CBD as soon as we went to free parking and we hope that will continue for our local traders," he said.
"We may need to tweak the system a little, like adjust parking limits in line with individual business needs, but parking will remain free."
Cr Ross said the council will endeavor to recoup some of the costs by selling the system.
Council suspended parking meteroperations in December 2024 to trial free parking while reviewing the long-term future of the system.
The council’s final resolution at the June Council Meeting means parking meters will not return to the
Horsham CBD.
Instead, two-hour free parking will remain in signed areas, consistent with current arrangements.
Parking time limits, such as 30-minute, two-hour, and four-hour zones—will continue to be enforced
using traditional methods, including tyre marking and issuing physical infringement notices.
Fines will also still apply for illegal parking in loading zones and accessible bays.
Cr Ross said the community response was clear and the Council was pleased to deliver a
decision that aligns with the needs of residents, visitors, and local businesses.
“We have listened to the community and heard loud and clear that parking meters weren’t just
unpopular, they were difficult to use and no longer delivering value,” he said.
“By removing the meters and maintaining time-limited free parking, we’re supporting accessibility,
easing cost-of-living pressures, and encouraging more people to shop, dine and do business in our
city centre.”
“This is about making Horsham more welcoming, more accessible, and more competitive,” said Cr
Ross.
The community is encouraged to continue observing signed parking time limits to ensure turnover of spaces and fair access for all.