Perth council approves free parking at four car parks leading up to Christmas

SHOPPERS will get free parking at four sites in the Perth CBD for 10 days leading up to Christmas.

City of Perth council last week unanimously passed Councillor James Limnios’ motion to allow free parking for entry after 4pm until close from December 15 to 24 at the State Library, Pier Street, Terrace Road and Cultural Centre car parks.

The vote came one day after City of Perth Parking (CPP) announced a special day rate of $10 on weekdays until December 29 at the same locations.

Cr Limnios said he wanted shoppers to take advantage of extended trading hours during “Christmas week” and to help boost sales for local businesses during the Christmas period.

He said people had written and petitioned for free parking for a long time.

“It is something people are desperate for,” he said.

Councillor Reece Harley suggested the period be extended to up to three weeks in the lead up to Christmas.

Cr Limnios said advice he received from administration and Deputy Mayor Emma Green was that one week one week would be “a good start”.

“If it was up to me I would have free parking everywhere on every street all the time for everybody,” he said.

“However I wanted to pull the responsible hat on.

“I didn’t want the financial implications to be such that it would get knocked on the head (by other councillors) based on the financial implication.”

The motion received praise from other councillors.

A report will be made on the effectiveness of the initiative within three months of the end of the trial.