Hay Street, Subiaco.
Camera IconHay Street, Subiaco. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Subiaco: free, short-stay parking spot numbers could be slashed in City’s ‘east precinct’

Bryce LuffWestern Suburbs Weekly

THE number of free, short-stay parking spotsin Subiaco’s “east precinct” could be slashed, but the council says the move is not about stinging motorists.

A parking plan for the precinct’s 1340 council-managed parking bays includes a host of changes the City of Subiaco hopes will better balance the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

Included is the possibility of cutting the number of free, short stay bays in the area bounded by Railway Parade, Thomas Street, Bagot Road and Townsend Road from 871 to 68, and introducing additional ticket parking to areas where demand is high and regular turnover of bays is required.

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There is also the idea for 30 minutes of free parking along Hay Street, to remain consistent with Rokeby Road.

A report by project specialist Michael Duckett to councillors said “ticket parking does not equate to excessive parking fees”.

“Pricing should certainly result in maximum use of commuter parking such that the more convenient on-street parking becomes available to shoppers,” he said.

“Pricing of all day parking should therefore be affordable to that sector.

“Likewise, the fee for short-term on-street parking, although the most convenient, should not be priced to discourage visitors to the precinct.”

Subiaco chief executive Don Burnett said the changes were not about revenue raising.

“The redistribution of parking bays is intended to provide a more balanced supply of parking for those requiring somewhere to store their vehicles all day, those that wish to conduct business or enjoy some retail and hospitality within Subiaco and residents that live within this high activity area,” he said.

Residents annoyed at outsiders parking illegally for long periods could have their prayers answered with the council considering increasing the number of resident-only parking bays from 33 to 485.

Mr Burnett said this would clarify to motorists “that these streets are intended to provide access to those residential properties and preserve their amenity”.

Mr Duckett’s report anticipates revenue from paid parking would offset the expense of implementing and managing additional ticket machines, which could cost close to $300,000 to install and a little more to operate each year.

Subiaco councillors will consider endorsing the plan for public consultation at a meeting on August 29.

The Subiaco East Precinct Parking Plan is one element of the Transport, Access and Parking Strategy adopted by the council in July and will be the first of six precinct parking management plans to be considered.

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