Parking time limits – such as 30-minute, two-hour, and four-hour zones – will continue in signed areas, enforced using traditional methods, including tyre marking and issuing physical infringement notices.
Fines will also still apply for illegal parking in loading zones and accessible bays.
Council received more than 1800 responses from residents and visitors, and a separate survey of 73 local business owners was completed as part of its community consultation.
Hermans owner Ray Hermans was one of many retailers to welcome the move.
“The positive aspect of it is that we’ve seen people staying in our store for longer and there’s nothing more a retailer could want than having customers stay longer,” he said.
“They aren’t having them rush out because they have to pay the parking meter, or my meter has come to the end.
“Two hours is long enough for people to move around and they can still move their car to another position for another two hours, so that’s fine.”
Mackay Family Jewellers owner Josh Mackay said he could only see positives from the move.
“As we know, the community were resoundingly against them when they were put in,” he said.
“From a retailer’s point of view, I think it’s fantastic. People can hang around for longer, and they’re not in a rush.
“However, I’m a firm believer the two-hour limit has to be enforced. You’ve got to have that element to it as well.”
Councillors discussed the CBD parking arrangements as part of a confidential section of its June meeting due to private commercial details being discussed.
In 2023, council netted $64,000 in revenue from the parking meters.
According to 2025-26 council budget papers, there was a $222,000 drop in revenue from 2023-24 to 2024-25. Council attributes the decrease to no charges for parking from December 17, 2024 to June 30, 2025; and a reduction in fines revenue in 2024-25 due to staff shortages.
Mayor Ian Ross said the council was pleased to deliver a decision that aligned with the needs of residents, visitors, and local businesses.
“We have listened to the community and heard loud and clear that parking meters weren’t just unpopular, they were difficult to use and no longer delivering value,” he said.
“By removing the meters and maintaining time-limited free parking, we’re supporting accessibility, easing cost-of-living pressures, and encouraging more people to shop, dine and do business in our city centre.
“This is about making Horsham more welcoming, more accessible, and more competitive.”
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