Hamilton councillor wants to see two hours free parking in city centre
With parking being a critical issue in the CBD, Geoff Taylor, Hamilton City Councillor and Chairman of the Inner City Parking Task Force, is at the forefront of this issue.
Photo credit: Amelia Christensen-Rose.
Shoppers in central Hamilton could have two hours free parking if a city councillor has his way.
Geoff Taylor, chairman of the Inner City Parking Task Force, is including the proposal as part of a raft of ideas aimed at improving parking in the CBD.
The first-time councillor said door-knocking during last year’s election campaign opened his eyes to the level of public concern over the problem.
“As I was knocking on doors people were always complaining about parking in town and how they had to pay, so I came up with the plan of free parking.”
Taylor admits the idea comes with challenges.
“It’s a bit controversial as it could possibly cost the council around 1–2 million in revenue.”
Another plan for the upgrade is to introduce more modern technology.
Taylor wants to see all parking meters removed and replaced by a smartphone app as well as kiosks.
Installing sensors that let drivers know where available parks are, similar to those in the Te Awa shopping mall, is also part of the plan.
The Inner City Parking Task Force will report to the council in June with its proposals for the CBD parking upgrade.
