Good news for users of the West Street carpark: You can now park for 180 minutes (three hours) for free in the centre section. The two end sections remain free for all day parking.

Ashburton District Council operates the off-street parking facility and recently reviewed time-restricted parking in the centre of the carpark as part of the revitalisation of the CBD. Parking limits in the centre section have been extended from 120 minutes to 180 minutes.

Council Strategy and Compliance Group Manager Jane Donaldson said the West Street carpark had 142 all day spaces, 83 three-hour spaces, and two mobility spaces.

“Our data shows there is high demand for all day parking with 97 per cent peak occupancy in the end sections while the central spaces have a peak occupancy of about 60 per cent.

"We considered that increasing the time limit from 120 minutes to 180 minutes will allow visitors that extra time to enjoy their shopping experience in the CBD. There’s also plenty of space in the car park for camper vans and longer vehicles.”