Parking in the CBD had two trials in place for six months from 26 October, 2020.

Parking trial 1 - 15 Minute Free Parking

Option to allow users of parking in the CBD to choose a 15 minute free parking option. This allows users to print and display a 15 minute parking ticket at no cost. Stays longer than 15 minutes will still require users to pay for parking.

Parking trial 2 - Saturday Restrictions

Time and pay restrictions were in place on Saturdays between 8am – 11:30am. This trial will remove the need for payment and time restrictions to on-street parking within the CBD.

As part of the parking pricing trials, parking occupancy surveys occurred from September 2020 to Febrary 2021. The aim of the survey was to ascertain occupancy of parking spaces within the CBD core precinct and the Top of Town precinct, and duration of stay surveys were conducted in Brisbane Street, Limestone Street and Ellenborough Street, Ipswich.

Following the conclusion of the trials, community survey, and occupancy and duration of stay surveys, a report was provided to and endorsed at the Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee in May 2021.

Recommendations endorsed:

• 15 minute free parking 'grace' period for parking areas within the Ipswich City Centre to remain in effect.
• No timed and priced parking on Saturdays within the Ipswich City Centre to remain in effect.