Free parking in Sydney CBD for two-wheelers

Motorcycle and scooter riders in Sydney hit their own pay dirt on Melbourne Cup day - free parking in the CBD and inner suburbs for 12 months.

The trial was implemented immediately after the Sydney council passed the motion on November 3, which will exempt motorcycle and scooter riders from paying for parking -- but they still need to park in designated areas and comply with any time restrictions.

"More and more motorists are feeling the pinch of rising petrol prices and are switching to motorbikes and scooters which can use far less fuel and reduce congestion by taking up less space on our roads," said Lord Mayor Clover Moore, herself a scooter rider.  "The Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy supports our commitment to sustainable transport options and the shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport."

The adopted strategy now means:
- Motorcycle and scooter riders no longer need to buy or display a ticket in parking meter zones within the City of Sydney Local Government Area, which includes the CBD, Pyrmont, Redfern, Ultimo, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Kings Cross;
- A trial of anchor points and locking rails for motorcycles in untimed parking areas to improve security;
- All-day parking in the Goulburn Street parking station for $5.00 a day, along with the introduction of a locking rail and gear lockers for motorcycles and scooters;
- Trial of on-street charging points for electric scooters;
- Advocating for fairer and more equitable tolling arrangements for motorcyclists;
- Advocating for motorcycles and scooters to be included in the Federal Government's Green Vehicle Guide (click here);
- Cheaper on-street parking permits for city residents with a motorcycle or scooter.

The new parking arrangements are in addition to the city's existing 600 free, untimed motorcycle parking spots.