An end to free parking in Nelson?

Removing free parking in the CBD is one of the options that will be explored in three to five years time, according to Nelson City Council’s new draft parking strategy.

The draft strategy, which centres around fewer car parks and safer streets, was presented to the council’s Infrastructure Committee on Thursday.

Council’s manager for transport Marg Parfitt introduced the report, stating the strategy recognises the place for private vehicle use and seeks to address existing inequities in the system.

“Those that are most in need of parking will have access to it,” she said.

The strategy accompanies a raft of changes set for Nelson’s city centre such as the Central City Spatial Plan – Te Ara ō Whakatū, which forms a blueprint for a city that prioritises people with links through the city.

It also promotes walking, cycling and public transport solutions.

Some key features proposed in the draft strategy include removing time restrictions in the central city, reviewing the parking fees system to a graduated system, investigating car-share opportunities, the redevelopment of central city parking squares and the removal of the first-hour free parking.

This last change would only be considered in three to five years time.

Once finalised, these changes will be rolled out gradually over the next 10 years as the region ramps up public transport under their Regional Land Transport Plan and the Active Transport Plan due later this year.

This parking strategy is built on early engagement with stakeholders including business owners and the community - including 95 online submissions received through the Shape Nelson website.

This community feedback showed strong support to retain the first-hour of free parking in the city and the need for more convenient parking for the ageing population.

Councillor Matt Lawrey asked if the current one hour free parking discouraged people from spending longer than an hour in the city.

Parfitt responded that it is possible people may be discouraged and that alternative parking fee schemes would be reviewed.

“For example, the first hours could be cheaper and then the long-term it ramps up, a graduated pricing structure,” she said.

Councillor Mel Courtney questioned why the strategy was quieter on parking changes in Stoke and Tāhunanui despite predicted growth for the areas.

“Stoke is experiencing growth now and there are plans afoot for developments in the village and it (parking) is essential even if it’s only for the workers,” he said.

The strategy suggests no further parking spaces would be needed for Stoke, instead, the strategy proposes introducing parking meters, reducing time-restricted parking and increasing taxi parking in Strawbridge Square.

The draft plan was unanimously approved by the Infrastructure Committee and a four-week public engagement process will open from April 11 through council's Shape Nelson site.