Free parking scheme on hold Author: By JACQUI JONES Civic Reporter Date: 10/12/2008 Publication: Newcastle Herald
NEWCASTLE will get new parking meters but plans to offer a free 15 minutes and extra spaces for bicycles and motorbikes will be considered early next year.
Paid parking will continue to apply on Saturday mornings in the central business district, despite a suggestion from Newcastle Labor councillors to offer free spaces to encourage spending in the dwindling Hunter Street Mall.
Councillors agreed last night to award a tender to Reino International to replace damaged ticket machines.
Under the agreement, the cost for a new machine is $9656, with Newcastle City Council expected to spend about $750,000 before the contract expires in 2011.
Councillors also asked for a briefing from staff on the organisation's parking strategy.
It will be given early next year and assess proposals such as free 15-minute parking, extra bicycle and motorbike spaces and how development and transport might influence parking needs.
Cr Aaron Buman suggested the briefing but argued the tender should not be awarded before staff reported back.
Most councillors disagreed.
Cr Sharon Claydon proposed accepting the tender, but offering free city parking on Saturdays.
Most councillors felt more information was needed before such a scheme was implemented and voted not to change arrangements, at least until after the briefing.