Merri-bek

Merri-bek City Council is the local government council to the north-west of Yarra, previously known as Moreland.

Merri-bek has adopted an Integrated Transport Strategy and associated Parking Management Plan. Merri-bek’s strategy is very good, and contains many best-practice elements that Yarra should adopt.

Summary

Yarra should adopt many best-practice elements of Merri-bek’s strategy, including:

• Clear language supporting a mode shift away from single occupancy vehicles; toward walking, cycling and public transport.
• Clear user hierarchy and road hierarchy.
• Strong statements that revenue from parking should be invested in sustainable transport infrastructure to facilitate and encourage mode shift.
• Economically rational proposals for restrictions on parking and the introduction of a new class of unsubsidised parking permit.

Facilitate mode shift

Merri-bek will facilitate to more sustainable modes of transport and target a reduction in car use:

Reallocation of space

Merri-bek will reallocate street space away from cars and car parking, toward walking cycling and public transport:

User hierarchy

Merri-bek has adopted a clear user hierarchy with people who are walking, cycling or using public transport prioritised over people who are driving.

Road hierarchy

Merri-bek has adopted a clear road hierarchy, which helps to guide user expectations for level of service:

Parking revenue

Merri-bek clearly states that revenue from parking can be invested in sustainable transport infrastructure to better facilitate and encourage mode shift:

Parking maximums

Merri-bek will change from parking minimums to parking maximums:

Flexible parking permit

Merri-bek has adopted a new class of parking permit, named a ‘flexible permit’. This permit isn’t subsidised, and is available to a much broader range of customers. Pricing will be announced with the budget in June/July, and is expected to match the market price for parking.

Conclusion

Merri-bek’s draft transport strategy contains many best-practice elements that Yarra should adopt.