Introduction

Good parking management helps keep our city moving, and through its Parking and Kerbside Management Plan, the City of Melbourne is committed to making parking simpler and more available.
Parking controls – such as time limits, or paid parking – are used around the world to manage demand for on-street parking – and Melbourne is no different.
But it’s important that the right parking controls are in place for each neighbourhood.
West Melbourne’s parking controls haven’t changed for many years. That’s why we’re reviewing on-street parking in West Melbourne to make sure the right parking controls are in place.
We looked at every street and analysed data and parking surveys to understand when on-street parking was being used.
We also worked with local businesses, residents and visitors to understand what’s working well, and what your challenges are.
We’ve used data and feedback to come up with some proposed changes.

Proposed change 1: improved availability on evenings and weekends

West Melbourne used to have lots of businesses, where people worked 9-to-5. This meant that parking controls were switched off in the evenings and weekends.
But today, that’s when drivers flock to West Melbourne – such as when the football is on at Docklands.
And while this activity is great, it can mean that cars are staying in bays for long periods – reducing options for other people to find available parks.
Because of this, we’ve proposed changing the parking controls so they apply every day of the week and run to at least 7pm.

Proposed change 2: improved availability around North Melbourne train station

We know demand for on-street parking is going to increase quickly.
West Melbourne’s population will increase more than 70% in the next 20 years.
Updated road connections will mean more drivers are coming into West Melbourne.
And with Arden Station opening soon, even more drivers will come to the neighbourhood.
So, we’ve proposed that parking bays in a 200-metre radius of North Melbourne train station will be metered, to make parking more available in this key location.

Proposed change 3: simpler controls that suit needs of local areas

Today there is a huge mix of parking controls. Some streets have different sets of parking controls on either side, or from one end to the other.
You can find streets where there are metered bays, and then unmetered bays, and then more metered bays.
So, we’ve proposed making these controls simpler and more consistent, while also considering the needs of each street.
These changes will free up parking, making it more available to more people. Have a look on Participate Melbourne to learn more.

Have your say on the proposed changes

West Melbourne is your neighbourhood, so now’s the time to share your thoughts on how we can fine-tine these proposed changes – and get the balance right for people who live, work or visit here.
Once we’ve heard from you, we’ll finalise the changes and roll them out. And after this happens, you can still provide feedback via the always-on survey, and we will be back to review next year.
Thanks for helping us get the balance right for on-street parking in West Melbourne.