The guardians of a treasured all-day parking spot near the National Library were shocked to find a new three-hour parking sign installed in their beloved enclave on Thursday afternoon, some six weeks before the introduction of paid parking in the Parliamentary Triangle.
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One concerned worker said the sign was erected without warning, which led to accusations the government was trying to “get in early” on revenue raising and pick the pockets of public servants.
“This is just six weeks before the introduction of pay parking, and the parking meters in the area indicate that when that happens, it will go back to all day parking,” said one worker.
“Not happy NCA!!!”
But anger and suspicion was subdued when workers quizzed the National Capital Authority about the sign who promised it was prematurely installed and would be removed by Friday afternoon.
A National Capital Authority spokeswoman said the sign was installed in error by their contractors and it had since been removed.
“ACT Parking Operations were asked not to enforce the restrictions, and no infringements have been issued in the area in question,” the spokeswoman said.
Workers and visitors in Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle will have to pay for car parking from October 1.
Per hour parking is $2.50 with a daily rate of $12 - lower than the $14 paid by some workers in the city.
Five-day tickets will be available for purchase from the ticket machines at a cost of $57.50.
The tickets will be valid for five consecutive days from the day of purchase, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The National Capital Authority will investigate processes to offer medium to long-term prepaid tickets in the future.
