New City of Greater Bendigo parking meters upsets residents

The City of Greater Bendigo confirmed 92 parking bays along Chapel Street and Hopetoun Street would be affected after nine new parking meters were installed at the weekend.

The City notified businesses of the changes in a letter dated February 10 this year.

But local resident Leyla Johnson said people who regularly visit the area had not been informed.

"I've never had to pay," she said. "It was only two-hour parking but there were never any ticket machines on that street.

"They want people to go into the city to shop but people won't go in if they have to pay $1.80 an hour."

Read more: Bendigo's parking fees bring in more than $3 million as number of parking infringements increase

All 1.5-hour free parking bays on Hopetoun Street between Lyttleton Terrace and Chapel Street have been converted to two-hour paid parking. All-day free parking in that section has become all-day paid parking.

The 1.5-hour free parking in Lyttleton Terrace between Mundy Street and Chapel Street has also become two-hour paid parking, while all 30-minute free parking will become 30-minute paid parking.

Along Myers Street between Mundy Street and Lyttleton Terrace, all 1.5-hour free parking will become two-hour paid parking.

All paid parking will be $1.80 per hour or $6.50 per day.

Mrs Johnson said she regularly attends the Bendigo Vinnies Store at the corner of Chapel Street and Hopetoun Street.

Read more: Bendigo traders worried high parking fines will hurt CBD shoppers

"It's a really busy Vinnies Store," she said. "To think that's where they are going to get their money from... I mean, it's a charity."

A City of Greater Bendigo spokesperson said the changes were to ensure there was a regular turnover of parking bays, as several major projects get underway in the city.

The spokesperson said at this stage, there were no plans for further parking meters in the Bendigo CBD.

"The City has liaised with residents and businesses in the affected streets over the last couple of weeks to explain the changes to them," the spokesperson said.

"Some residents have sought further clarification from the City.

"The City has a responsibility to manage parking in the city centre on behalf of the community and local business, and this work is regularly reviewed and ongoing."