Since March 2010 there has been increasing growth in the use of the Wollongong CBD car parking pay and display meters.

Manager Property and Recreation Peter Coyte said there has been increasing use of the inner Wollongong paid parking meters, with parking meter use rising from 10,000 uses per week in March 2010 to nearly 19,000 uses per week in April 2011.

In the 2010/2011 financial year Council has completed works and projects valued at $1.08 million have been completed using revenues raised through the parking meters.

“Council has ensured that all funds raised through the parking meters is now used in pedestrian, footpath and car parking projects in the city,” Mr Coyte said.

“To date Council has completed six major projects, including the Dwyer’s and Ellen Street car parks, footpaths and design signals. Of the $1.08 million $480,000 in funds came from the revenue provided by the parking meters, while the remainder, $608,000, was funded by Section 94 and general funds.

“As you can see the parking meters have not only proven to be attracting greater driver turnover in the city, but the funds from the metering are now providing better pedestrian and car parking projects in the city.”

According to a review of the parking strategy the occupancy rates for parking spaces in streets within the Wollongong city centre is reaching optimum levels of turnover.

The review is recommending that Dean Street and Auburn Street [north of Dean Street] be increased to three-hour timing and Station Street be increased to two-hour parking.

“Council is continuing to monitor the parking strategy and paid on street parking, and as the increase in driver visits is showing us the car parking spaces are becoming popular among city drivers,” Mr Coyte said.

For more information you can visit Wollongong City Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on (02) 4227 7111.