An overhaul of Ballarat central business district parking regulations has added large swathes of new restricted spaces in the city.
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Changes will start on April 18, will be made incrementally until mid-June and a review will be completed in December.
More two-hour parking zones have been added in retail areas and near the growing hospital precinct.
There has also been a change to all-day car parks so there is a balance between people parking for work and residents across the city.
New restrictions will affect 110 precincts across the city, from the north at Macarthur Street, the south at Urquhart Street, the corner of Victoria and Mair Streets and at Pleasant Street in the west.
City of Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said council was responding to the need of a growing population.
“There are more than 4000 new car parks which will be free to use,” she said.
“We are also working with local business operators and encouraging people to consider different options.
“What we are aiming at is safer, more affordable and more accessible parking options.”
Additional three and four-hour parking spaces have been added for shoppers, students and hospital patients.
Minor changes to existing four-hour, free and paid spaces have also been made.
However there will be little relief for patients needing longer, free parking at Ballarat Base Hospital.
Streets around the hospital including Drummond Street, Mair Street, Ascot Street North, Webster Street and Errard Street North remains restricted to between two and the hours.
The closest all-day parking available near the hospital will be at Lyons Street.
Ms McIntosh said council would continue working with the hospital to provide affordable parking.
“Council has invested very heavily on a multi-level car parking project at the base hospital, and we will continue working with the hospital,” she said.
“It is important the hospital consider what is viable and what is sensible and fair for their patrons,”
Following the introduction of the parking restrictions council will investigate transferrable tickets across some city locations, free parking for people with disability permits and improve disability access to parking.
A car parking survey received more than 1,200 responses from residents.
