The US is not alone in government intervention in private enterprise. This story comes from Australia. The local city government is "testing" a "first hour free parking" program which would include a private parking structure in a shopping area. The structure would provide parking for about 250 cars and be connected to the shopping mall.
The developers has the plans on hold since the return of this $15 million investment is tied to the "free first hour" plan. The plan would take $1000 a day out of the pocket of the developer. So, the project is on hold until the city decides what it is going to do. The assumption is that if they make the idea permanent, the garage will not be upgraded.
Yep, makes perfect government sense. Give away free parking that doesn’t exist. That’ll help the commerce in Launceston, Tasmania. As is always the case, if the free market prevails, so will the parking. If you want more, abundant parking, charge for it, and charge a fair price.
Period
JVH
