Permits scrapped for parking

Motorists who park near Redcliffe Peninsula Line railway stations will no longer be required to apply for on-street parking permits.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has ended a trial of an on-street parking permit system, as commuters make the most of the train line’s 2850 car parks.

Mayor Peter Flannery says plenty of capacity close to stations meant residents were not affected by commuters using nearby streets to park and catch a train.

“Right off the bat, the community told us they wanted more car parking when the train line was built and we delivered,” Mayor Flannery says.

“That additional parking has benefitted both commuters who use the trains, as well as residents who live near the train line because it means commuters aren’t parking in residents’ streets.”

The permit trial was introduced prior to the opening of the line in response to community concerns, but the geographical area of the permit system was reduced in 2018 following further community feedback showing it was not required in streets further out.

There has since been minimal daily use of the permits across the trial area.

Division 6 Councillor Karl Winchester says it is good news for residents who want to have visitors over and tradies who are carrying out work, as it meant they do not have to jump through a number of hoops to lawfully park on the street.

To coincide with the conclusion of the trial, parking signage will be replaced to allow for general parking for up to five hours.

The new arrangements come into force from October 31.

“Council staff on-the-ground have seen both currently and pre-COVID, that there are more than enough car parks for people to use, in addition to other modes of transport like connecting buses, walking and riding to a station,” Cr Winchester says.

“In fact, I encourage people if they’re looking to travel within the region or outside to use the park ‘n’ rides and use the Redcliffe Peninsula Line.”