Customers who spend $25 or more at the underperforming gift store will not have to cough up any money for parking during the week.

The incentive comes three months after Parliamentary Services boss Carol Mills announced a commercial strategy to transform the shop into a place that reflects a trip to Canberra, not just a one-hour tour of the nation's Parliament.

Weekday parking at Parliament will be free for the first two hours, followed by incremental charges starting at $3.

But drivers will park free on weekends and public holidays.

New payment machines will accept credit cards and cash. Exit stations will also accept credit cards.

Emergency service vehicles, maintenance vehicles, coaches and buses, Armaguard vehicles and cyclists will also be exempt but motorcyclists and scooter riders will need to pay.

A 30-minute drop of and pick up zone will ensure parents and carers of the Capital Hill Early Childhood Centre avoid a ticket.

The new paid parking arrangements apply to visitors and staff and permit parking spaces.