Shops parking charges to remain

GREATER Dandenong Council has voted to keep current paid parking arrangements in Central Dandenong until a whole of city parking strategy is approved.
This comes after the council temporarily suspended parking fees in Dandenong over the Christmas period from 15 December to 31 January to boost trade in the area.
The move had the desired effect and the charges resumed in February.
Cleeland Ward councillor Paul Donovan said free parking in the CBD had been a worthwhile experiment but the council would now need to look at a range of options for parking in the city.
“It would be good to have some free parking in the mix and look at some alternatives,” Cr Donovan said.
A report on a whole of city parking strategy is expected to be tabled by November.
Dandenong North Ward councillor John Kelly said the aim of the meters was not to raise revenue but to keep traffic flowing to make it easier for people who come to shop in the city.
Earlier in the year it was reported that the move to quash the fees could cut $1.1 million from the council’s annual revenue.