Free parking in Ballarat has its limits says the City of Ballarat who have confirmed that while payment free parking options remain in the city and around the hospital precinct during the COVID-19 lockdown, time limits still apply.
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The clarification comes as a number of residents have asked The Courier the exact make up of the parking structure while the quarantine limits are in force as the council's camera car has been seen around the city.
In a statement, City of Ballarat's Director of Infrastructure and Environment Terry Demeo said it was important that residents still heeded the time limits on many sites.
"All parking in Ballarat is now free since we turned the meters off," Mr Demeo said.
"However where time restrictions are signed they still apply."
The council was also asked as to whether there were any timelines for free parking to revert to the previous system and whether any fines had been handed out, but as yet have not replied.
On March 30, the City of Ballarat announced that the new parking plan, which had been in place for less than two months would be temporarily shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor Ben Taylor said it was a way the the council could help keep its community safe during this difficult time.
"We want to protect our community and limit the time they are out doing their essential tasks, such as shopping at the supermarket or going to see their doctor," Cr Taylor said at the time.
"We also don't want to put any further extra financial burden on our residents, including the few extra dollars motorists are putting in the parking meters when there are far more important issues to be worrying about.
"We will continue to work on ways to assist our community at this time in every way we possibly can and I will continue to advocate to the state and federal governments for the supports we need to be able to do this."
Ballarat Health Services moved to free up space in its Base Hospital multi-story carpark to provide extra support for its staff, while St John of God Hospital will continue to provide the required parking to assist its staff.
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