If has been revealed through Questions on Notice that the Stanhope-Gallagher government paid parking cash grab is almost $1 million per month for commuters, the Shadow Minister for Urban Services, Alistair Coe MLA said today.

In 2007-08 well over $11 million was collected through paid parking in parking meters and ticket machines.  In the city alone there was well over $5 million collected.

“Slugging Canberrans with huge parking costs is an easy cash-grab by the Government and it’s only going to increase with significant parking fee increases introduced this financial year,” Mr Coe said.

“The breakdown of money spent on parking in individual suburbs is also alarming. Over $2.4 million in Phillip and over $1.2 million in Belconnen was collected in the 2007-08 financial year.

  2007-2008 Ave Per Month
City $5,174,101.90 $431,175.16
Phillip $2,450,962.80 $204,246.90
Belconnen $1,259,340.75 $104,945.06
Tuggeranong $623,088.00 $51,924.00
Manuka $430,578.65 $35,881.55
Other areas $1,686,511.25 $140,542.60
Total $11,624,583.35 $968,715.28

“The cost of paid parking for Canberra families has certainly been felt on an individual level for some time, but I think the overall amount collected by the Stanhope Government would surprise many people.

“These figures are timely given the increases in paid parking that commenced this month and the announcement of a joint taskforce to investigate the introduction of paid parking in the parliamentary triangle.

“The Stanhope Government has made little progress on improving the public transport system.  Without a reliable public transport service many Canberra families are forced to drive their cars.

“Based on previous years’ data, the government will bring in at least $2m extra from the 20% increase in the cost of parking brought in on 1 July 2009. What extra services and improved parking facilities will Canberrans receive for this money?” Mr Coe said.