A push by Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger and Councillor Aaron Keown for free overnight parking near Christchurch Hospital will soon become a reality, following support at a council meeting today.

The motion passed with the support of all councillors at the meeting, except Innes Ward Councillor Pauline Cotter and Spreydon Ward Councillor Melanie Coker.

From February, the new system will introduce time-restricted clearways on parallel kerbside parking near the hospital on Hagley Avenue with parking available from 7.30pm to 7.30am.

Councillor Keown said  “it would be great if we supported this unanimously because all we’re doing here is a trial to create a small amount of overnight parking.”

“It’ll be used from 7:30pm through to around 10pm when they start to push visitors out of the hospital. For parents going into NICU or for people visiting family members who don’t have long left, this will make spending time with them much easier.

“I can guarantee these parks will be used all the time. Later at night, nurses or other hospital staff will have the option to park literally straight across the road. This makes sense.”

Keown addressed concerns about cars being left in the lane, arguing the traffic impact would be minimal.

“There’s no peak traffic flow in the morning coming out of town in that area. Yes, there is traffic, but it’s the busiest later in the afternoon, so there’s plenty of time to address any issues like towing vehicles if needed,” he said.

Keown acknowledged the existing parking building near the hospital but stressed that not everyone can afford its costs.

“This trial won’t solve all the problems, but it will alleviate stress for people using the hospital. Not everyone is flush with cash to pay the parking fees in the building across the road. Let’s think of those people who really need this option,” he added.

“The six-month trial aims to provide a practical solution for visitors and hospital staff while balancing traffic demands during peak hours” Keown said.