Motorcyclists and Scooters to Park for Free In Sydney

Now this is a great idea:

MOTORCYCLISTS and scooter riders can park in Sydney’s CBD and inner-city suburbs for free from today, in a 12-month trial designed to encourage locals to leave their car at home.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says the trial, decided at a City of Sydney Council meeting last night, exempts motorcycle and scooter riders from payment, but they must still park in designated areas and comply with existing time restrictions.

“More and more motorists are feeling the pinch of rising petrol prices and are switching to motorbikes and scooters which can use far less fuel and reduce congestion by taking up less space on roads,” Ms Moore said.

“The Motorcycle and Scooter Strategy supports our commitment to sustainable transport options and the shift away from large, polluting vehicles to smaller vehicles to complement walking, cycling and public transport.”

During the trial, motorcyclists and scooter riders will no longer need to buy or display a ticket in parking meter zones within the City of Sydney local government area, which includes the CBD, Pyrmont, Redfern, Ultimo, Darlinghurst, Paddington and Kings Cross. [AAP]

For those who have never been to Sydney before, driving and parking in this city is an absolute nightmare. If I had to commute to the Sydney CBD every day, I would definitely use a motorcycle or scooter of some kind and this new parking policy will only encourage this.