Meters to Curb Serpell's Over-stayers

With the outcome of the proposed rezoning and then potential sale of Serpells Lane Carpark at 399 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, still pending, Boroondara Council have decided to utilise the 89-space free parking zone to raise revenue.

At a Council meeting on 20 March 2023, officers recommended that the proposed installation of paid parking meters in Serpells Lane be deferred until a decision has been made on whether the land will be sold or not.

Six speakers at the meeting however opposed this recommendation and a motion to install parking meters 'as soon as possible' was carried. A council report speculates that following the introduction of paid parking, usage of the carpark will reduce by about 50% in the short term at least. At present, Council believes that approximately 64% of all motorists parking in Serpells Lane are Swinburne University staff and students, with around 30% overstaying the 3-hour parking limit.

The decision to meter the carpark is expected to cost a total of $5,100. Estimated revenue from the meters will generate $368,710 per annum, if at 100% capacity. Even at 50% capacity, Serpells Lane is expected to generate around $184,000 per annum if metered, according to the Council officer's report. How this decision will affect usage of the carpark and its future remains to be seen.