However,motorists will be able to take advantage of free 15-minute parking in any council spot in an effort to encourage short visits to city traders,and pay a discounted rate of $4 an hour (from $7) on weekends and after 7pm on weekdays.
Under the parking plan,released on Thursday,the city council will alsoreplace a confusing hotchpotch of different parking rules with a consistent two-hour paid parking limit across the CBD from June.
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Time limits will be imposed on loading zones to increase their availability for traders,and accessible parking and drop-off zones will be introduced to every street.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the overhaul would mean more parking spaces are available,making it simpler and easier for people to visit the city.
“Good parking management helps keep our city moving,” Capp said. “Businesses need confidence that their customers can find a park and deliveries will arrive on time”.
But Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra said his members would strongly oppose the extension of paid parking.