In November 2018 we described Yarra’s parking crunch – parking is full and it’s getting worse.
In December 2018 we followed up with an article suggesting solutions, including using pricing rather queuing to manage demand:
It’s now 2021 and Yarra hasn’t made any progress to reform how parking is managed. Our better for parking page proposes converting all on-street parking to permit zones, then selling permits at three price levels.
Then, if streets are still full, i.e. if occupancy is over 85%, the price for residential permits can be increased, e.g. up to $1 per day or $365 per year. This is a comparable price to that charged in high-demand residential suburbs in other cities. Here are three examples, from Amsterdam, Portland, and Vancouver.
Amsterdam
Residential permits in the central zone of Amsterdam cost €283 every six months, or AU$884 per year, which is much higher than our proposed $365 per year.
Portland
Residential parking permits in the Central Eastside area of Portland, similar to Yarra in Melbourne, cost US$370 or AU$475, significantly higher than our proposed $365 per year.
Vancouver
As we’ve reported previously, residential parking permits in the West End area of Vancouver, similar to Yarra in Melbourne, cost CN$401 or AU$422, higher than our proposed $365 per year.
Conclusion
Increasing the price for residential parking permits to $1 per day or $365 per year would follow the lead of other progressive cities who have reformed how they manage on-street parking to deliver social justice. Even if the price for residential permits is not significantly increased, council can still reform parking by converting to permit zones and selling digital permits at several price levels.
Published 18th May 2021
Update 19th May 2021, residential parking permits in the Lummus Park area of Miami Beach cost US$274 or AU$351, similar to our proposed $365 per year.
