General News
20 March, 2023
Driven to distraction -Parking meter changes baffle motorists
Horsham's parking meter system overhaul took effect this week - but many motorists don't seem to have got the message. As the 60 new solar-powered columns were switched on - to replace the ageing cohort of 361 mechanical meters - most CBD visitors...
Horsham's parking meter system overhaul took effect this week - but many motorists don't seem to have got the message.
As the 60 new solar-powered columns were switched on - to replace the ageing cohort of 361 mechanical meters - most CBD visitors spoken to by The Horsham Times were perplexed by the new machines.
“I didn't have any idea about the new ones, I haven’t seen them on the street to be very honest,” Hugues Ian said.
“I think the council haven’t communicated well. That’s why I didn't know that they were operational.”
Helen, who commutes to work in the CBD every day, said she knew nothing about the new meters - and didn't understand why the old meters had been covered in plastic.
“I thought we didn't have to use the parking meters anymore, just like in the Covid days," she said.
"I had no idea that they had installed the new ones.”
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline said the current meters were outdated, prone to failure, and required parts which were no longer manufactured.
“Replacing the old meters with next generation technology will provide consistency and will help keep traffic moving around the CBD," she said.
"We know historically there has been issues with people parking in front of shops for extended periods which in turn prevents other shoppers from accessing those parking locations.
"Studies have shown us that paid parking is effective and efficient in managing those priority parking spaces within the CBD."
In tandem with the introduction of the new meters - which are coin, card and app operated - time limits at most CBD bays are to increase from one hour to two.
Few people seem impressed so far.
“The council is encouraging the people to use the app, but most of us don’t even have smart phones,” one local said.
“I always park in the free car park and walk everywhere. I don’t want to pay for parking.”
Another Horsham resident, Carmel, said she felt sorry for the elderly.
“Just look, especially at older people, they’re gonna walk, you know, down there while their cars are up here.
“I think it’s a waste of the taxpayers' money."
One motorist said he tried to use a new meter, but the screen display instructed him to use one of the existing ones.
“The old ones are covered with the plastic bags, so I don’t know what to do if I got a parking ticket,” he said.
Graham Schultz said he was "quite happy" to pay for parking.
"It saves a walk," he said. "But I had no idea that you can pay through the app as well.”
Cr Gulline said in January signs would be erected to alert motorists of the change and provide instructions.
“Council wants to deliver value for ratepayers," she said.
Council did not reveal the cost of the changeover to the new machines, which are manufactured overseas.