General News
21 December, 2024
Horsham rolls out free parking for six months
Horsham Rural City Council has announced a six month suspension of parking fees across the city, effective immediately.
The decision, made during Monday night’s council meeting, will see parking charges waived from December 17, 2024 until June 30, 2025, as part of a comprehensive review of parking meter operations.
Residents have welcomed the initiative, with Janine Launder praising the council’s decision saying it will make shopping more convenient.
“I’m happy they are looking after the shoppers who support businesses, and I hope it continues,” she said.
“Parking meters were inconvenient to them.”
HRCC mayor Ian Ross said the initiative aims to ease the burden on residents and visitors during the festive season and beyond.
“We have listened to feedback from our community,” he said.
“We want our residents to have easy access to parking in the city centre, which in turn supports our local businesses.
“Not having to put money into meters will make it more convenient for people to shop, dine, and enjoy the festive season in Horsham.”
Signage will be placed on the parking meters to inform the public and app users will be notified of the change. The council is working with Blinkay to disable the payment function.
The time limits for parking, as indicated by zone signage, will still apply and be enforced to ensure turnover and availability of parking spaces.
The motion, moved by Cr Cam McDonald, highlighted four key issues prompting the change: community satisfaction due to difficulty using the meters, financial concerns, social equity, and the economic impact on main street traders.