4 November 2015

Mix of free and paid parking for Rotorua inner city

Rotorua looks set to settle on free on-street parking for up to 60 minutes along most of Tutanekai Street and adjoining sections of Arawa, Haupapa, Pukuatua, Hinemoa and Eruera streets.

Free 60 minute parking would be combined with $1 an hour parking for up to three hours along sections of the five cross-streets further out from Tutanekai Street, extending to Ranolf Street in the west and Fenton Street on the eastern side of the city.

Other existing parking times and fees in the city would remain unchanged.

These were the key inner city parking conclusions to come out of today’s (4 November) meeting of Rotorua Lakes Council’s Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee, following a two-year rolling trial of various on-street parking arrangements.

The committee’s recommendations are aimed at optimising parking availability and parking space turnover in the busiest parts of the inner city, as part of the Rotorua 2030 key inner city revitalisation goal.

Inner City Revitalisation Portfolio lead, Councillor Karen Hunt, said she could see the benefits of both the 60 and 90 minute free parking options, but viewed parking turnover as the most important component.

“If you park in a $1-an-hour parking space you will have up to three hours available to you and it’s still not far to walk to Tutanekai Street – just a hundred metres or so.

“We’ve proven that we’re able to respond to the changing needs of inner city businesses and retailers – as seen with the provision of more P15 parking spots around the NZ Post shop. And as things change in the future and new patterns emerge, we’ll continue to respond - it’s a dynamic environment.”

In deciding on the final parking plan for the inner city, the Strategy, Policy and Finance Committee took into account public feedback on proposals publicised as part of a month-long period of public comment. Feedback from 195 individuals and organisations was received.

While a strong community viewpoint from public consultation supported free 90 minute parking, the Inner City Focus Group and retailer businesses subsequently expressed a preference for 60 minute free parking in Tutanekai Street and adjoining parts of cross streets. The group’s view was that 60 minutes was in keeping with statistics showing the average stay in parking spaces to be 35 to 45 minutes, and likely to encourage more parking space turnover.

The total cost of implementing the new parking plan - including removal of some parking meters and pay-and-display machines, additional signage and recalibration of parking space sensors - is estimated to be approximately $30,000.

The committee’s recommendations will now go to a meeting of the full council on 12 November for finalisation. If adopted, the changes could be implemented ahead of this year’s main Christmas shopping period.

ENDS

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