An RAA survey has revealed Adelaide motorists are likely to avoid parking in the CBD if the car park tax is introduced, particularly for occasional trips for shopping and recreation.
“One of the main reasons behind introducing the car park tax was to deter motorists from parking in the Adelaide CBD, and encourage them to use public transport instead,” said RAA Senior Manager Mobility and Automotive Policy Mark Borlace.
“However, motorists have suggested the higher parking costs won’t encourage them to jump on a bus, train or tram, suggesting they’ll look to go elsewhere instead.”
RAA found 58 per cent of its Members that were surveyed said the tax would deter them from parking in the Adelaide CBD, but only 30 per cent would be encouraged to use public transport instead to travel into the city.
“Most suggested they only travel to the city occasionally for shopping (26%), a medical appointment (20%), or recreation (16%),” said Mr Borlace.
“Given the occasional nature of these trips, it’s unlikely these people will bother with public transport for such infrequent journeys.
“It would be understandable if these people looked instead to do their shopping in suburban areas where parking is free, or at least cheaper.
“In turn, this leaves Adelaide CBD businesses to bear the cost while losing these patrons.”
RAA found 69 per cent of its Members do not support the introduction of the Car Park Tax.
If the car park tax is introduced, RAA Members want complete transparency when it comes to the State Government reporting on how the tax is spent.
Two of the most preferred uses for the funds were for more frequent public transport services (21%) and to build or improve Park-n-Ride facilities (16%).
“So despite the tax not encouraging many motorists to use public transport, RAA Members still think the best fit for any funds collected from the tax are to improve these services,” said Mr Borlace.
“Some Members commented that it’s fine to encourage people that live close to the CBD to use public transport, but for people who live more than 20km from the CBD, using public transport is often not a suitable alternative.”
In addition, 74 per cent of RAA Members want an industry watchdog to monitor any price increases resulting from the car park tax.
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