The new system will be tested for two weeks before patrons are charged. Photo: Griffith City Council.
Griffith Airport’s controversial new paid parking system is about to get its first real test – but motorists won’t be charged a cent while it happens.
The local council says the new boom gates, pay stations and associated technology will enter a two-week testing phase in the coming days as work on the system nears completion.
Council says no charges will be applied during testing and it will notify the community before the system officially switches to paid parking. So for now, airport parking remains free.
When that happens, motorists will have 60 minutes of free parking, with charges then applying:
- One hour – $2.50
- 24 hours – $12
- One week – $65
The introduction of paid parking has been one of the more contentious recent decisions involving the airport. The council has argued that it needs to raise revenue to pay for future airport upgrades, such as proper security screenings and concreting unpaved areas of a carpark. It was also observed that some people park there cars for free for weeks on end, taking up a lot of spaces close to the terminal.
Opponents say the decision disadvantages those who already have to pay for expensive fights to Sydney, which can cost more than some flights to overseas destinations.
There was also a push for the first day to be free, but council ultimately settled on an hourly/day/week price model with the $12 daily fee recommended before being endorsed.
The new system will now get a two-week shakedown before motorists are expected to start paying.
Council is warning drivers to slow down, follow signage and take care around the airport while the testing is underway.
In better news for Griffith travellers, Qantas has added two extra flights to the Sydney route, giving locals more options to get in and out of the city.
The additional services operate on Mondays and Fridays from November, adding to the existing Griffith-Sydney schedule. And there are some surprisingly cheap fares available, with return flights currently able to be booked for less than $500, depending on the dates.
The boost to the service comes as Qantas has also given Griffith a very public vote of confidence, naming one of its Q400 aircraft Griffith after the city.
