Free city parking for scooters and motorcycles

4 November 2008

Motorcyclists can park in the City Centre and inner city suburbs for free as part of a 12 month trial from today, Tuesday 4 November, following a City of Sydney Council decision last night.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said the trial exempts motorcycle and scooter riders from paying for parking but they still need to park in designated areas and comply with any time restrictions.

"More and more motorists are feeling the pinch of rising petrol prices and are switching to motorbikes and scooters which can use far less fuel and reduce congestion by taking up less space on our roads," Ms Moore said.

"The Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy supports our commitment to sustainable transport options and the shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport."

The adopted strategy now means:

- Motorcycle and Scooter riders no longer need to buy or display a ticket in parking meter zones within the City of Sydney Local Government Area which includes the CBD, Pyrmont, Redfern, Ultimo, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Kings Cross.

- A trial of anchor points and locking rails for motorcycles in untimed parking areas to improve security.

- All-day parking in the Goulburn Street parking station for only $5 a day, along with the introduction of a locking rail and gear lockers for motorcycles and scooters.

- Trial of on-street charging points for electric scooters;

- Advocating for fairer and more equitable tolling arrangements for motorcyclists;

- Advocating for motorcycles and scooters to be included in the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide;

- Cheaper on-street parking permits for City residents with a motorcycle or scooter.

The new parking arrangements complement the City's existing 600 free, untimed motorcycle parking spots throughout the City Centre and inner city suburbs.

The City is currently creating an additional 100 untimed parking spots for motorcyclists in the north of the CBD.