Parking costs continue to rise

Parking costs continue to rise

By Chloe Strahan

Parking your car in one of the many off-street car parks in Docklands is more expensive than ever.

Last year we reported many price changes at many Docklands car parks, and this  year these prices have continued to climb.

The most dramatic change occurs in Enterprize Way off Bourke St. In 2013, parking under both NAB and Ericsson buildings cost around $16 for the first three hours. Two years later the maximum daily rate for these carparks has increased to a whopping $69.

Both carparks charge exactly the same rates. Early-bird deals will cost you $24, and for those unlucky enough to lose your ticket, NAB parking will see you paying a generous $75 penalty.

The explanation for this huge increase is uncertain, but could be the result of the small supply of all-day parking to accommodate an increased number of workers in the area.

In 2012, the most expensive daily rate to park in Docklands was $49 at the rear of 717 Bourke St (Channel 9). Today the maximum daily rate has blown up to $60 a day at the same location.

Emerging patterns show that the more expensive car parks are located close to Etihad Stadium and Harbour Esplanade. With the hundreds of drivers wishing to park in the area for football games, it is clear that these venues are competing for drivers.

Even a quick stop at Etihad Stadium will set you back $10 for 30 minutes, with a maximum of $40 a day.

Since its opening in 2013, the carpark at Exo has also increased its parking prices, jumping up to $12 an hour and now charging a maximum of $57 a day, from $45 in 2013.

One of the only carparks to not raise its prices in the last year is Harbour Town East. The multi-level carpark will only set you back $10 for up to 24 hours, with the first hour charging as little as $3.

Maintaining existing prices in the multi-level carpark could be a result of the larger number of spaces available for customer parking at Harbour Town Shopping Centre. Surrounding carparks on Docklands Drive are expected to become development sites in the coming years, which may eventually result in a price rise at the multi-level carpark when this happens.

For a full list of carparks and their daily prices, have a look at the 2015 Docklands Directory when it is distributed this month.

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