Free parking with strictly enforced time limits is still being promoted for central Oamaru, as the Waitaki District Council faces replacing park-and-display machines that have reached the end of their life.
The Chamber of Commerce North Otago branch surveyed Oamaru businesses to find out their preferences and how parking should be paid for, to present a proposal to the council.
Survey organiser Gary Kircher said the results of the survey were not quite what was expected.
Parking is subsidised by about 300 businesses through a special rate in a designated business area.
About 25 survey replies were received, which Mr Kircher described as "a good response" because of the number sent out.
However, because of the "black and white" questions asked, most businesses commented on who should pay for parking, rather than whether park-and-display meters should be replaced or free parking introduced.
Some businesses were prepared to pay a small amount, while others felt they should not have to pay at all.
Mr Kircher said the chamber would propose to the council a 12-month trial of free parking with increased enforcement of restricted times and greater fines for over-parking.
It would also propose the parking cost be met by 20% from businesses and 80% from ratepayers in the Oamaru and Corriedale wards.
It was estimated that would cost businesses about an average of $60 a year and ratepayers about $10 a year. In return, ratepayers would get free parking.
"There would be a benefit to all ratepayers from free parking," he said.
Leasing new park-and-display machines would cost about $1 million over five years, money which would stay in the pockets of local people if there was free parking.
Free parking would also be "tourist-friendly", perhaps persuading visitors to stop and spend money, he said.
Any changes to parking would require an amendment to the council's funding policy, which could be done as part of next year's long term plan.
