Free central city weekend parking

Published on 24 November 2015

24 November 2015

Between now and Christmas Eve, as part of a trial to encourage holiday shoppers, weekend parking will be free in Victoria Avenue but with a two hour parking limit on Saturdays. Parking in St Hill Street will be free with no time limit every day until January 3.  

From Christmas Eve until 3 January 2016 all central city car parking will be free, including designated car parks, but existing time limits will apply. 

Cr Helen Craig, who initiated the parking trial, says she hopes it will boost retail activity in the central city and provide a better shopping experience for locals and weekend visitors.  

“New Plymouth and other centres have brought in similar initiatives with very positive results. We’ve had feedback from shoppers who have said one hour is too restrictive so a two hour parking limit in Victoria Avenue should address this.”  

Shop owners, staff and those living in the town centre are encouraged to park in back streets to ensure shoppers have easy access to parking. Signs will be placed on meters so people are aware exactly what the parking times are in the free areas.