The first stage of the City of Ballarat’s Smarter Parking Plan is about to begin.
Streets in the plan’s Zone 2, bounded by Ripon, Eyre, Princes, and Mill and Seymour streets, will have new parking configurations rolled out over the next few months.
Each Zone 2 street will have free parking, but there will be a mixture of time restricted and all-day car parks.
The roll out will begin in the 200 block of Lyons Street North, with residents due to receive letters this week outlining their street’s parking configuration, which is also available to view via an interactive map on the City of Ballarat’s new website.
Residents will have a week to register any concerns, which will be followed by a meeting with City of Ballarat parking staff if required to address any issues.
Once this has been completed, new parking signs will start to be erected in the street within four weeks.
This will occur on a staggered street-by-street basis across Zone 2 until it has all been completed.
Residents will receive a free Residential Parking Permit which will allow them to park free in any parking space near their house, except for bus zones, loading bays and no stopping zones.
Some households will qualify for a second free permit, based on a number of factors including access to off-street parking, a driveway or a driveway crossover.
A third permit may be issued subject to strict criteria but will cost $100 annually.
All current permits will be cancelled and a three-month grace period from July 1 provided for new permits to be issued.
Permits can be applied for online here
To determine each street’s parking configuration, a standard test was applied, assessing its kerb to kerb width to allow for angled or parallel parking, the street’s length and any restrictions, such as trees or crossovers.
City of Ballarat Infrastructure and Environment Director Terry Demeo said this first stage largely addressed residents’ concerns, particularly in the congested parking areas around the hospital precinct.
“We think we have provided a fair share of residential parking, while also providing new parking options that may not have been available before,” Mr Demeo said.
“Ballarat is currently experiencing rapid growth, with significant increases in jobs and population across the entire municipality – particularly in areas close to the CBD.
“We are trying to manage both existing and future pressures and provide an equitable approach to parking across the CBD for residents, visitors, shoppers and workers.”
