The first five weekdays under Ballarat's new CBD parking regime have been confusing, business owners and workers say, but things could get easier as more people adapt.
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The new paid system uses a combination of meters - some card only, some with card and coin options - and an app for inner-city parking.
The first hour is free, and every subsequent hour is $3, with no daily limit, though a full day of parking will cost $22.50.
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Timed parking outside the CBD zone is still free.
The City of Ballarat has already made some tweaks, including removing a credit card surcharge, but some business owners say the rollout has been flawed, which added to people's confusion.
The Courier hit the streets to talk to shop owners, businesspeople, workers in retail and hospitality, receptionists, people in banks and pharmacies, and anyone else up for a chat about how the first week has gone.
The results were mixed, but the number one concern was education.
Many shop staff said they were often spending more time trying to help people work the new meters, and wish there was more council support.
The Courier noted a pair of customer service officers strolling the streets, and being approached by people for help, but none of the businesses spoken to said council had offered any resources to help other than the brochure mailed out last month.
Several suggested council should issue a poster, booklet, or information guide, with step-by-step instructions for people having trouble.
In hotspots like Armstrong Street North, opinions were divided - one retailer said the parking change would "kill small business", and the elderly were struggling with the change, but one hospitality outlet said the increased turnover from the first free hour was already promising.
A common criticism came from employees who had to drive to work - all-day car parks close to the precinct were harder to find, and people were working further, prompting concerns about young people walking in the dark, especially in winter.
"It's really hard" for staff, one person said, as not everyone could ride a bike or take a bus.
A free all-day car park at the Eastern Oval opened this week, with 170 spaces.
It was reported from two different businesses that some people, particularly the elderly or those with a disability, were being dropped off by a partner or carer, who would then circle the block instead of trying to find a car park.
Another said people were showing up late to appointments, as they were unable to find the nearest meter, or they were checking to see if the meter was switched on.
One business said it had heard feedback from customers who said they would go to an outlet at a shopping centre instead of attempting to park on Sturt Street - "we're not stoked on it," they said.
People who had tried the app, and gotten their head around it, said it was actually surprisingly easy to use - "it's simple, but people are still confused", one retailer said.
Speaking to The Courier on Thursday, City of Ballarat mayor Ben Taylor said the new system was an "opportunity" for the city.
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