Byron Shire Council is hoping to reap more than $2 million each year once its solar powered parking metres are installed.
The 135 parking metres will be installed over the next two weeks and will be operational by mid-December.
They will be located on the public footpaths and road reserves, within the pay parking area, about 30 to 50 metrs apart.
Council’s transport and traffic officer Simon Bennett said parking charges would apply seven days each week from 9am to 6pm.
Parking would cost $3 per hour or up to a maximum of $20 per day depending on where you park.
Mr Bennett said residents and ratepayers could purchase a parking exemption for $50 a year, or $100 a year if they lived outside the shire but worked in the pay parking area.
There is no cost for Byron Shire pensioners.
Mr Bennett said an exemption meant people would pay no more at the parking metre.
‘Simply park, enter your vehicle number plate licence at the pay parking machine and walk away,’ he said.
‘But you will still need to adhere to the time limits. Overstay the time limit and you could get a fine.’
To purchase an Exemption, you can enter your details on the council’s website or go to the Mullumbimby administration office if you wish to pay with cash.
Mr Bennett said residents who have a Resident Parking Coupon that is valid for the council-managed car parks, could also upgrade to an Exemption.
Current Coupon holders were recently sent a letter detailing the upgrade options.
Mr Bennett said Resident Parking Coupon holders can choose to do nothing and continue to park in the car parks, and pay for on-street parking if needed, until their coupon expires.
“For some, that will suit their needs as perhaps they do not come into Byron Bay very often, or it’s mainly after 6pm.
“For others who wish to park on street and pay no more, upgrading to the Exemption is proving popular.
“We’ve already had about 800 resident parking coupon holders upgrade within the first week,” he said.
Resident Parking Coupons will no longer be valid within National Parks car parks in Byron, from 1 December, 2015.
Mr Bennett said Byron Shire businesses can also apply to have an account.
Businesses can register their interest in getting an account, by sending an email to [email protected].
The new Byron Bay Pay Parking scheme is part of the Council’s Fit for the Future improvement program.
‘With over 900,000 plus day trippers coming into Byron Bay each year, most of the pay parking revenue is expected to come from this group,’ he said.
‘It’s anticipated that Council will raise over $2 million annually from pay parking with the funds going back into improving Byron Shire’s infrastructure.’
