A lack of demand is leading to good news for the motorists of Somerset West and Strand from February 1, 2020. As there is no longer congestion caused by the need for parking in these areas, the City of Cape town will allow drivers here to park for free from next month onwards.

According to IOL, Mayco Member for Transport, Felicity Purchase said there is no longer any need to ensure a turnover for parking bays there. At the same time, countless residents in other parts of Cape Town are up in arms over paying high fees for parking on a daily basis in the City.

This decision was brought on by the City’s contract with Ace Parking Services expiring on January 31. They are the contractor that manages on-street parking on the City’s behalf in both Strand and Somerset West.

“I’m sure residents will be relieved about this. However, I want to remind them that the applicable time restrictions will still be enforced by our Law Enforcement Officials,” Purchase said.

The City will review the free parking and whether management is needed in the area again.

“Thus, as from 1 February, 2020, motorists will be allowed to park for free – this applies to about 510 on-street parking bays that we have been managing over the past few years. Also, I want to caution road users to be vigilant and not to be intimidated by illegal car guards who often wear fake bibs and charge for parking,” Purchase added.

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Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.