Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas today released guidelines for the implementation of dedicated on-street car-share parking schemes to promote city-wide consistency and benefit road users, councils and improve the road network.

“The Brumby Labor Government is building a better transport system, reducing congestion and providing more viable, sustainable and accessible travel options for Victorians,” Mr Pallas said.

“Car sharing is an innovative scheme that spreads the ownership of a car over multiple users, giving people greater transport choice without the financial constraints and the environmental impacts of owning and driving their own car.

“Many municipal authorities around the world are embracing car-share schemes in an effort to improve the access and priority of sustainable transport modes within their communities – and Melbourne is no exception.“

Car-share schemes are allocated authorised car-share parking, providing a dedicated ‘home’ parking space for that particular vehicle. This should be used by only the designated vehicle, providing a consistent pickup/drop-off location for car-share members.

“The Government is encouraging local councils to work closely with car-share operators to determine suitable parking locations – including shopping precincts, residential and commercial areas – and prioritise kerbside parking,” Mr Pallas said.

Member for Prahran Tony Lupton said car-sharing schemes had the potential to significantly improve transport amenity in built-up inner city areas.

“It is important that councils recognise the benefits of car-sharing and parking as a means to reduce congestion and provide more sustainable transport options,” Mr Lupton said.

“As outlined in the guidelines, councils may elect not to mark a designated bay for car-share, and instead issue a residential permit that enables the car to be parked anywhere in a designated permit zone.”

The Cities of Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip, Moreland and Maribyrnong were consulted and have agreed to the car-sharing guidelines and VicRoads is currently in consultation with the City of Stonnington.

For more information on car-share schemes in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs visit www.flexicar.com.au or www.goget.com.au