Cambridge follows Te Awamutu in extending parking time limits

Cambridge is set to follow Te Awamutu by trialling extensions to parking time limits in its central business district in the new year.

The trial will see the one-hour time limits for parking spots in Victoria Street and Duke Street in the CBD increase to 90 minutes.

The move comes after the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce suggested Waipā District Council consider extending the parking time limits, after a similar trial was announced for Te Awamutu.

Transport Manager Bryan Hudson said the council was happy to implement a trial in Cambridge, with the aim of establishing whether or not extending time for parking works both for businesses and for residents, and where shorter-term parking for quick turnovers may be needed.

While extending the time limit would allow more time for individuals to shop and socialise in Cambridge, it could also increase traffic congestion and parking pressure, he said.

“Cambridge is growing fast, and has added pressure from a large number of out of town visitors and tourists, which means there is more need for quicker turnovers in parking. The risk is that by extending the time limits, the availability of free spaces may shrink to an unacceptable level. When parking spots fill up, people tend to cruise for a park by driving around until someone else leaves, which creates more congestion, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Hudson said the best option was to trial a 30-minute extension.

“While a 120-minute limit would offer more time, 90 minutes strikes a balance by providing enough time for shopping, socialising, and running errands while ensuring parking spaces turn over efficiently.”

The trial will cover Victoria Street between Alpha Street and Commerce Street, and Duke Street between Wilson Street and Anzac Street. Hudson said the P60 spots on Empire Street could also be considered for an extension.

The next step is for Council staff to meet with the Chamber and go through the parking maps to determine the extent of the proposed changes, and consult with enforcement staff on the proposal before producing new maps, gaining regulatory approval, and changing signage.

It is expected the trial will begin in late January or February, and will run over a six-month period.

“The point of a trial is that we can be flexible throughout the process, with the ability to tailor the parking to best meet everybody’s needs. We can reverse any changes that cause unexpected issues, and we’re looking forward to hearing how it works or doesn’t work for people and businesses alike,” Hudson said.

The Cambridge community is encouraged to provide feedback during the trial period, helping to inform future decisions about parking management in the CBD.