A SHORT-term parking trial in Cleveland CBD will see three hour parking spaces changed to one hour or 30 minute time limits in a bid to boost turnover for businesses.
Redland City Council voted this morning on initiating the trial at strategic locations on Middle and Bloomfield Streets, reducing time limits on approximately 20 to 30 car parks.
Cr Peter Mitchell said for more than three years local business owners and residents had been requesting short-term parking in the town.
"A number of businesses have got behind the idea and I am confident they want to see change in the CBD," he said.
He said parking surveys would be conducted with the use of parking sensors.
"It has become obvious to me that the current plan is not fit for purpose anymore. We need to evolve with the times," he said.
Redlands Florist manager Anne Sargeson said it was a great idea and would hopefully get more people into Cleveland.
"It will benefit businesses as customers will be able to pop in and out of shops," she said.
She stressed there was not enough staff parking in the town.
Redlands Meat Hall co-owner Will O' Brien said he would endorse the short-term parking plan as he believed it would benefit his business.
"With three hour car parks, staff working at the council and nearby businesses park in front of the shop.
"I have a lot of elderly customers as well as mum's with prams, if they can't park outside my shop, they go elsewhere," he said.
Mayor Karen Williams said the plan was not a solution to revitalise the CBD, but data gathered during the trial would help council make a decision for future plans.
The trial will be for a minimum of six months and council officers will monitor and engage with businesses to determine the effectiveness of the short-term parking spaces.