The introduction of paid parking in the parliamentary triangle has been delayed until at least September as the National Capital Authority seeks to resolve a series of technical issues.
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Motorists parking in the suburbs of Parkes, Barton, Russell and Acton were scheduled to begin paying from July 1, however that has been pushed back for about eight to 12 weeks - depending on how long it takes the authority to solve the problems.
National Capital Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow said the tasks involved in delivering the paid parking scheme were originally underestimated.
“At a broader level, we underestimated the extent and complexity of implementing a paid parking scheme in the parliamentary triangle,” he said.
Mr Snow said the postponement was caused by issues with the payment of parking via credit card, the collection of cash, and unresolved charges for parking infringement notices.
"It is the back-of-house requirements related to the conduct or the management of the scheme that need to resolved before we launch,” he said.
“The handling of cash collection and processing is something we have outsourced and it’s important that we work with contractors to resolve the issue."
Mr Snow said he was "not at liberty" to name the contractors responsible for the processing and collection of payments.
While the delay is not expected to push the project over budget, Mr Snow admitted it would result in a significant loss of revenue although it was difficult to quantify an amount given charges for infringements have not yet been confirmed.
The paid-parking scheme is expected to raise $73 million, which will go directly into federal government consolidated revenue.
It covers about 9000 car parks and drivers will be required to pay $11-a-day to park.
Mr Snow said delaying the introduction of paid parking would allow payment issues to be resolved and thoroughly tested.
"We are taking the time to resolve these issues to ensure parking arrangements meet the service standards expected by the consumer," he said.
"Once these issues have been resolved, implementation is expected to take approximately eight to 12 weeks."
In a statement, the National Capital Authority said the installation of 190 solar-powered ticket machines had already begun although the machines would not be activated until the new commencement date, which is yet to be announced.
Work on parking signs, line markings and pedestrian islands had also begun and was expected to be completed before the initial deadline of July 1.
The National Capital Authority also expected work on the Windsor Walk and York Park to be completed by July 1 and has determined the allocation of short and long-term parking.
The National Capital Authority received $8.8 million of federal funding to introduce paid parking in the Parliamentary Triangle in the 2013-14 federal budget.
Analysis by the Canberra Times earlier this year revealed that rank-and-file public servants would need pay rises of $4000 a year just to pay for parking in the Parliamentary Triangle.
The scheme will impact 9000 car spaces on national land and charges are expected to be consistent with parking arrangements at other employment centres across Canberra.
