The Canberra Liberals have promised a reduction in car registration costs, an additional 2,500 parking spaces and shorter driving commuting times if elected next month.
Also detailed within the promise is a plan for a six-month period of free parking after 5.30pm in the city.
Addressing the media today, Canberra Liberals leader Alistair Coe said the announcement would complement the party’s commitment to lowering costs for Canberra families.
“[A decrease in] car rego will save a typical family about $200 per year and we know that as a result of cutting the cost of parking, it will be a boost for local businesses as well as, of course, the hip-pocket burden that going out entails,” he said.
“Canberrans use their cars because they need them. They live in suburbs, they drop their kids off at school or childcare, they then go into work, they pick up kids, they drop them off at sport.”
Coe said the party would look at matching costs of car registration with Queanbeyan as a ‘benchmark’ for the election promise.
Canberra Liberals transport spokesperson Candice Burch announced the party would reduce travel time by allowing cars with three or more people to drive in bus lanes during peak periods.
“We will also investigate new emerging technologies to increase traffic flows and reduce congestion throughout our city,” she said.
“We will introduce real-time reporting of road and construction works to help Canberrans better plan their journeys and will also trial transferable city parking tickets.
“We, of course, want more Canberrans to use more public transport and active travel; however, we acknowledge that these are just not viable options for many Canberra families.”
The promise also includes an additional 2,500 parking spaces through a $50 million Local Parking Fund and an increase in green carparks, incorporating more grass and vegetation into parking areas.
ACT Labor leader Andrew Barr was critical of the “very expensive” commitment.
“It’s over at least $25 million a year and growing so over the four-year period it would be $100 million but that’s a lot less revenue than available to deliver quality public services.
“Every time the opposition announces a cut to revenue, they have to have a cut to the services that they offer.
“Unless this is a one-off one-year reduction, it is $25 million a year every year commitment.”
