Extended parking time limit trial begins in Cambridge

Shoppers in the Cambridge CBD can browse and relax a little longer from today, with Waipā District Council trialling extending the one-hour parking limit to 90 minutes in the town centre.

The move will be welcomed by retailers who requested the council reconsider parking time limits in Cambridge after a similar trial was launched in Te Awamutu.

Council staff have been working with the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce on the extent and duration of the trial, which covers Victoria Street between Alpha Street and Commerce Street, Duke Street between Hallys Lane and Anzac Street, Empire Street between Alpha and Duke Streets, and Commerce Street between Duke Street and Milicich Place.

Transport Manager Bryan Hudson said the trial would help establish whether 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 allows more time for people to shop and socialise in Cambridge, we also need to consider the impact on parking pressure and traffic congestion,” Hudson said.

“We think that 90 minutes strikes a balance by providing enough time for shopping, socialising, and running errands while ensuring parking spaces turn over efficiently, but the point of a trial is to try it out, and assess if it works for everybody.”

The trial begins today, Thursday March 13 and will run through to August. Feedback on the new parking restrictions can be provided through haveyoursay@waipa.govt.nz.