"Shocking, it's terrible, like you drive through here and if you're not here by eight o'clock then you're pretty stitched for parking. Either more car spaces or a system which makes it easier to find a car space would be ideal."
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Nathan Wagner, manager of the Ona on the Lawns cafe in Manuka, is extremely dissatisfied with the parking situation in the shopping precinct and is one of a number of locals who would welcome the introduction of smart parking technology.
The ACT government will run a one-year trial of the new parking system in Manuka in 2016.
The new system will provide real-time information on parking that allows smartphone apps and traffic signs to direct drivers to an available space.
It's likely to result in more fines for motorists and improved convenience, will see the installation of car park sensors, real-time traffic signs, and smart phone applications.
Motorists will be informed about the parking available at their destination before departure. They will then be directed towards available parking by the traffic signs.
Mr Wagner said smart parking would be beneficial for businesses and customers.
"You see so many customers that would just try to drive in early in the morning for a coffee and they won't be able to get a park so they'll just keep driving, go somewhere else. It would be better for us for sure," he said.
Tania Dahl of Macarthur also believed many people and businesses would benefit from the parking trial.
"Without a doubt, I mean all people that shop and patronise the businesses here in Manuka are on limited time, so if you can get in, have a quick lunch and get out and you know you've got a park coming your way, then the businesses and the drivers all benefit from that."
Smart parking will also allow centre visitors to pay for parking through the mobile application.
Mest Hair hairdresser Bethany Mannion was excited by the alternative payment option and believed it would benefit both her and her customers.
"I wouldn't have to run out from work and redo it. We have people with their colours processing and they don't want to run out with foils on their head, so one of us has to go out and do it for them," she said.
The mobile application also means there is a possibility of drivers making their way around Manuka while looking at their phones, putting motorists and pedestrians at risk.
However, Mrs Dahl said drivers needed to think ahead.
"You would have to forward plan. If you think you are going to come into Manuka, you log onto your app, you have a look . . . then it just saves a lot of grief once you get here," she said.
The trial may also introduce peak and off-peak prices for parking.
Kon Kudo and Helena Game from Campbell hoped the government would decide against introducing a new pricing system.
"I can see that being potentially annoying because the times that I see when we want to come and see a movie or something, it'll be the peak times," Ms Game said.
Mr Wagner believed dynamic pricing would be bad for business.
"I think it's pretty stingy. Parking should be the same price across the board, otherwise you're just going to scare people off coming at peak times," he said.
