While the National Capital Authority is delaying the introduction of paid parking in Parkes, Barton, Russell and Acton until at least September, the ACT Government is proceeding to introduce pay parking on adjoining Territory land as originally planned.

“Preparations were well advanced when the NCA announced their delay, therefore the ACT Government will proceed with the introduction of new pay parking from 1 July,” the ACT Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate said.

“The new measures for pay parking will help manage the flow-on impacts of the introduction of pay parking on national land for existing businesses and cultural facilities near the Parliamentary Triangle,” Ben Ponton, the directorate's deputy director-general, said.

The two main areas affected are the Hyatt Hotel car park and the Kingston cultural precinct, adjacent to Canberra’s Glassworks.

“Without pay parking at these locations, the institutions would have difficulty effectively servicing their clients as parking spaces would be occupied by commuters avoiding pay parking on national land,” Mr Ponton said.

In addition to these new pay parking areas, pay parking fees in the ACT will increase by up to 50 cents across the ACT in line with the annual indexation increase.

The ACT Government is encouraging motorists to use buses, park-and-ride facilities or to carpool with a friend or colleague.

Mr Ponton said when the new ACTION Network 14 is introduced, daily bus services to the Parliamentary Triangle will be increased and waiting times will be reduced to less than seven minutes.

“Canberra’s long-term strategy for transport continues to focus on managing traffic congestion and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the number of people using active travel (walking and cycling) and public transport,” he said.