25 May 2025
Coin-operated parking meters across the city centre are being gradually replaced with coinless machines following repeated vandalism, with the first now installed on Grey Street, the Grey Street car park and the library car park.
Since July 2024, 19 parking meters have been damaged through deliberate attempts to access the coin compartments, with some machines being vandalised multiple times.
Council's public protection manager John Gordon says the change to coinless meters removes the main incentive for vandalism.
“The damage we’re seeing is very clearly linked to people trying to get at the coins inside the machines,” says Mr Gordon.
“The cost of repairing vandalised meters is now far out of proportion to the small amount of cash being targeted, and continuing to repair the same machines is not a cost-effective approach.”
“Councils around the country are facing the same issue and many have already moved to coinless systems for the same reason.”
The new machines look and operate the same as the existing meters, with the only change being the removal of the coin slot.
Payment can be made by PayWave or by scanning the QR code on the meter and paying online. Parking rules and fees remain unchanged.
The rollout is being carried out in stages, with further coinless machines installed as damaged ones are replaced.
“All remaining operational machines will continue to accept coins until they’re progressively converted to coinless operation,” says Mr Gordon.
There are 61 parking meters across the CBD, including those currently awaiting replacement.
For more information on parking meters, including current parking fees and time limits
