Yarra can learn from 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.