METERED parking could soon be introduced to parts of Newcastle experiencing parking pressures, or fees raised in existing metered areas, under a draft council plan to manage parking over the next decade.
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The 10-year strategy, titled On the street: a plan to better manage parking in the Newcastle LGA, was unanimously endorsed for exhibition at last night's ordinary meeting.
The plan builds on previous parking studies undertaken in the city centre, but recognises the implementation of recommendations from those reports "has been somewhat piecemeal".
It sets a goal of managing parking to "improve the amenity of streets, support accessibility of centres and encourage mode shift to active and public transport".
One of six objectives to achieve those outcomes is managing parking demand.
A framework to optimise turnover and use proposes introducing meters, shorter time limits or higher fees when more than 85 per cent of an area's spaces are occupied.
At this level, parking is considered well used but motorists should still find one in seven spaces free.
Beyond it, frustration sets in and motorists generally either leave or circle for a park, leading to congestion.
A 2019 survey found multiple areas across the city were exceeding 85 per cent occupancy, and under the draft plan could have such measures implemented.
These areas include, but may not be limited to: Hamilton, Cooks Hill, Wickham, The Junction, Newcastle foreshore, The Hill, off-street car parks near Darby Street, and the city's east end.
The areas surveyed were mostly around the CBD, but the plan notes some suburban centres "are experiencing high demand and warrant close observation" in the "short term", including Islington, Mayfield, Tighes Hill and New Lambton.
The plans says "intervention" is required in the under-pressure areas but does not specify when measures should be implemented, noting that "charging for parking is often politically contentious".
"Extensions to paid parking are politically unappealing, and even more so in the context of the disruption that has characterised the city centre environment in recent years," the plan says.
"Community support for such upheaval is especially unlikely if it is seen solely as a money-making exercise."
The plan proposes establishing a model where new parking revenue is reinvested into improving streetscapes and other works in the areas where fees are collected.
Another objective is to review development controls for parking supply. The plan suggests moving away from site-by-site policies towards a precinct approach which could consolidate parking for multiple developments.
The parking plan will be on exhibition for eight weeks.
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