The report would go on to inform a decision on free 60-90 minute periods in multi-deck car parks.

Also on the agenda for Thursday’s meeting are two planning authority considerations recommending the approval of permits for a Mount Direction camp ground – with conditions – and a new Bathurst Street tattoo studio.

A notice of motion listed on the agenda for the meeting outlines the reasoning behind the proposed parking review – first flagged by Mayor Albert van Zetten at a September business forum. 

In it, Alderman van Zetten said it was timely for the council to undertake a "thorough review” of its current service offering by examining the pros-and-cons associated with the introduction of a 60-90 minute free parking service in the council’s multi-deck car parks.

He also acknowledged the view within the Launceston business community – “real or otherwise” – that the introduction of such a scheme would generate additional visitation and foot traffic.

“Such a review should provide the Council (and the community) with a robust evidence base on which to base a decision on this important matter,” Ald van Zetten wrote in the notice.

“Accordingly, through the General Manager I propose that the Council’s Parking Department complete a review and report to the Council.”

Ald van Zetten added: “It is hoped that such a review would be able to be completed within the next 3 months”.

Currently, council provides free parking between 3.30pm-5.30pm Monday to Sunday in the Paterson Street East and West car parks, and Monday to Saturday between 3.30pm-5.30pm in its Elizabeth Street carpark.

Free parking is also provided in the Seaport and York Street West car parks on Sundays and all weekend in the Willis Street car park, along with the High Street off-street parking area.

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