Nelson City Council will trial extended free parking in its four city centre car parks to better understand demand for parking and to support local businesses during the quieter winter months.

At Thursday’s Council meeting, councillors approved a proposal from Councillor Mel Courtney, liaison councillor for retail and commerce, to increase free parking from one hour to two hours.

“Winter brings quieter streets and reduced foot traffic,” says Mel. “Local businesses have told us that every sale counts during this time. Extending free parking is a simple, practical way to encourage people into the city to shop and spend.”

The time-limited trial will allow Council to monitor parking usage and gather feedback from businesses, helping to inform a wider parking strategy review due to be presented in 2027.

Council previously introduced free parking between 3pm and 5pm from July to October in 2023. This time round the increase of free parking from one to two hours can be used at any time of day but only in three central city car parks — Wakatu, Millers Acre, Buxton and Montgomery. It will come into effect on Friday 15 May 2026.

“I’d like to thank Council staff for the work done to get this trial going at short notice,” says Mel.

“Running it while Bridge Street and Trafalgar Street are affected by the Bridge to Better project is a clear signal of support for local businesses, and their customers, and shows confidence in our city centre.”

To access two free hours of parking drivers will need to either use the app or one of the meters that surround the carparks.

Drivers should note that although the free parking limit has been extended to two hours, the rules for time limited spaces remain the same. For instance, a car can only use the 60 minute spots in Wakatu for an hour.

The two hours can also be split up over the day. By using the meter or the "PayMyPark" app, drivers can split the time into 15 minute segments. For example, a driver could park for 45 minutes in Montgomery Square and then move to Buxton car park for 1 hour 15 minutes later in the day.

© Scoop Media