Submissions on the strategy yesterday highlighted some of the difficulties inner city residents have parking their vehicles, and their concern about the possibility of a price rise.
The strategy, released in April, proposed parking cost rises, including a rise to $5 an hour to park in George St, market rates for leased parking, and free time-restricted parking to suit business needs.
It included rises in the cost of resident parking permits to $180 a year, and new bicycle parking facilities.
The strategy has been introduced to reduce the negative effects of private cars, including congestion, air pollution, noise, and obesity, with a move towards travel demand management, through limiting parking or increasing charges to make driving less attractive.
Residents told the hearings committee of deputy mayor Cr Syd Brown and Crs Andrew Noone, John Bezett and Michael Guest increasing the cost of residents' permits, and increasing the cost of second permits to $270, a year was unfair.
Without two parking spaces, there was difficulty catering for family members, visitors and tradesmen.
Roy Kenny, of York Pl, said he already paid rates, was required to pay for something that was free for most, and the cost was "abhorrent".
Otago Museum chief executive Shimrath Paul said a lack of parking was an issue for the museum, which was attracting more than 400,000 visitors a year.
The committee also heard disabled drivers relied on vehicles and would be hit by punitive parking charges.
The Otago district council of the Automobile Association urged the council to reconsider its strategy, which it said would impact on many drivers, who would have little alternative but to absorb the cost.
