The City is
embracing new technologies as we introduce an easier and more efficient car
parking system in central Geelong.
The smart
parking innovations include pay-by-plate methodology, licence plate
recognition, an advanced pay-by-phone application and parking sensors.
The rollout will
allow us to effectively introduce a free parking trial in central Geelong from
1 December.
The trial was
initiated after a Council resolution in April 2019.
Motorists will
be able to access a free 30-minute period in two-hour parking zones on
weekdays.
The technology
upgrades will also deliver:
- The creation of a ticketless parking system from 1 December; and
- Another payment option through the introduction of a new EasyPark application.
The City has
engaged Duncan Solutions to deliver both initiatives.
With the removal
of display tickets, motorists will need to enter their vehicle licence plate to
complete their parking transaction.
Printed receipts will remain available upon
request.
The EasyPark app
will allow motorists to conduct remote up-to-the-minute transactions, limiting
the paid period to the duration of their stay.
Motorists will
also be able to transfer parking fee credit to another parking bay within the
same central Geelong zone.
Usage fees for
the EasyPark app will apply.
The existing
free EziCom parking is still available for use, while motorists can continue to
pay via coins or card.
The mobile
licence plate technology also shifts the City’s existing manual compliance
operations to a digital environment.
This enables
safe and efficient workplace practices and provides improved OH&S outcomes
for City employees.
Similar
technology is being used in many cities overseas and across Australia,
including Melbourne, Warrnambool, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Gold Coast.
The City will
also carry out informed analysis of parking occupancy and turnover across
central Geelong through new non-identifiable parking sensors.
Twenty sensors
will be installed in different areas and parking zones of central Geelong.
The data will
provide us with information on how long car parks are occupied, the duration
the spaces are vacant, and the peak periods of use.
This will give
us a better understanding of where and when visitors are parking in central
Geelong, as we seek to maximise the availability of spaces.
It will also
provide insight into how motorists are using 2P zones before and during the
trial of free 30-minute parking in the two-hour zones.
No identifiable
information, such as the vehicle licence plate, is recorded.
Mayor Stephanie Asher
This new
technology will make it easier for the community to park in central Geelong.It will
remove the need for motorists to display a ticket in their vehicle, meaning
they won’t have to return to their car after feeding the meter or paying via
the app. The new and
existing apps will allow users to pay up to the exact minute of their stay, and
to transfer credit to another bay.The new
system will also reduce the environmental impact caused by paper waste.
Cr Eddy Kontelj,
Chair, Transportation and Connections portfolio
The free 30-minute parking trial in 2P
zones aims to stimulate interest in the CBD and encourage a higher number of
short-term visitors.It’s a proactive initiative by the
Council to support our retail and hospitality businesses, and help central
Geelong remain a place where people enjoy spending time.Free 30-minute CBD car parking is one of
the most significant parking initiatives we as a City have implemented, which
will complement free weekend CBD parking introduced several years ago.
