Nearly three quarters of parking transactions have been free in Ballarat's CBD since the Smarter Parking Plan was introduced.
The City of Ballarat has released its Parking Insights report, created from data generated by use of the Smarter Parking system.
The report shows:
- 74.7 per cent of parking transactions were free in February
- 74.8 per cent of parking transactions were free in March
- 73.1 per cent of parking transactions were free in June
- 72.1 per cent of parking transactions have been free so far in July
The report also shows most free first hours are claimed at the meter, compared to the CellOPark app.
The most popular transaction method is card, followed by the app and then coins.
Parking was free in the CBD in April and May as part of the City of Ballarat's COVID-19 response.
The Parking Insights report can be found on the City of Ballarat's existing open data platform, Ballarat Data Exchange.
More than 50 sets of data are now on the Ballarat Data Exchange, including sensor and map data.
As part of the City of Ballarat's Digital Services Strategy, Council Plan 2017-2020 and Open Data Policy, Council regularly releases open data to foster greater transparency and accountability, while respecting individuals' privacy.
City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Ben Taylor said the parking data highlighted the Smarter Parking Plan had actually reduced the cost of parking in the CBD.
"These figures show that most parking transactions are free in the CBD, which means motorists are using their free first hour and then moving on," Cr Taylor said.
"This was the aim of the Smarter Parking Plan - to get a better flow of traffic through the CBD and make it an equal parking system for shoppers, residents, workers and tourists."
Cr Taylor said the Ballarat Data Exchange would be a vital data collection source to help better manage the town's current and future needs.
"Ballarat is a Smart City, using data insights for initiatives such as better management of assets and services and to drive policy.
"We will provide open access for appropriate data sets to the public, with clear policies and legal arrangements in place to ensure privacy regulations are rigorously met and sensitive information is safeguarded.
"The new Local Government Act has made transparency a very clear requirement and the Ballarat Data Exchange is one of the ways we can be as transparent and accountable as possible to our ratepayers.
"It will also help us drive innovation and economic opportunities for Ballarat and, at the same time, create a more cost effective, efficient and responsive Council."
