FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Car parking in Porirua's central business district

The Porirua Council may establish further car parks in the city centre and charge for parking. Officers advice on such issues will be considered at the City Services Committee on 2 August.

Recently completed research suggests decisions are needed to provide for the growth of the city centre and that this should be done now as the Council works on the City Center revitalization plan.

City Services Committee Chairperson Robert Shaw said 94% of shoppers found parking in Porirua convenient. "That is a good situation for retailers and shoppers alike", he said.

However, the survey also indicated the need for better provision for those who work in the area and need long-term car-parking.

Cr Shaw said "It is is the advice of officers that the Council should consider a charge for day-parking. This might be about $5 a day and could be introduced along with better controls on the short-stay car parks."

"Some level of user-pays would assist the Council to raise money for further car park facilities. As far as we can, we wish to avoid car parking being a charge upon the general ratepayer. Porirua's rates are already too high and it looks likely that the Council will sooner or later have to purchase some floors of parking in a building.

An associated issue is the safety of the car parks. Cr Shaw said he strongly supported the provision of more CCTV cameras along with improved lighting. We need to use the technology to secure the inner city. Already some progress has been made on this, but there is more work to be done.

Cr Shaw said he would move a motion at the Committee to consult the public before any decisions were taken. The work relates to amendments to the District Plan which is a high priority for many people, he added.

ENDS

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