The rise in parking fees for Tamworth CBD flagged some months ago will come into effect on Monday next week.
The move comes after Tamworth Region Councillors endorsed the higher fees in June when they formally adopted the Tamworth Regional Council 2019/20 Annual Operation Plan.
The hourly cost of parking for one hour will rise from $1 to $1.20 while the cost of all-day parking will increase from $2.50 to $3.
Council’s CBD parking project manager Anna Russell said the new fees are being advertised in advance in an effort to make all drivers aware of the change.
“We don’t want this to take CBD business owners, workers or shoppers by surprised next Monday morning when the increased fees take effect from 8.30am,” she said.
“We started advertising the date of the change over the weekend and there are also some temporary signs being installed around the CBD to raise awareness.”
Mrs Russell acknowledged the fee rise has not been popular, she is asking drivers to remember there are many free parking options in the CBD.
“We have free on-street and off-street parking options in the CBD all within a few minutes walk of the Tamworth Post Office,” she said. “It is possible for drivers to park for free while still being in a convenient location close to the heart of our CBD.
“Another potential money-saver is the EasyPark app which makes it possible to pay electronically and then get a refund for any parking time you don’t use.”
Council invests all income from parking fees to fund costs associated with car parking including maintenance, renewal and lighting of the region’s car parks as well as future car parking infrastructure. Last financial year, Council received $412,775 in income from its 42 parking meters.
Council’s future plans for additional CBD carparks funding using parking fees income will form part of the CBD Car Parking Strategy which is expected to be released for community input later this year.
