Parking fees soar

Herald Reporter
MOTORISTS who drive daily into Harare city centre will have to pay for space at council car parks in advance, a development that could result in less congestion on CBD streets.
The cost of parking at city car parks has been increased from US$1 per day to US$1 per hour but those who pay for a whole month will have to fork out US$30, a much cheaper option for those who want to leave their vehicles over normal working hours.
However, the monthly subscription comes with a US$45 refundable deposit that motorists have complained is unnecessary.
Easipark – a controversial joint venture between the City of Harare and South African firm Easihold – manages municipal car parks, parkades and street parking. A motorist without a monthly subscription will have to pay US$8 per day during working hours at car parks, which translates to US$160 per month for a person who comes to work five days a week. This is the same cost as on-street parking.
The US$30 monthly contract parking is the cheaper option but motorists will have to fork out a once-off US$45 deposit to cover an access tag into the car parks at Park Lane and Fourth Street. The conditions are the same for the monthly subscription at the parkades in Julius Nyerere Way and Samora Machel Avenue. Motorists parking at Joina Centre will pay US$50 per month plus a US$50 deposit, while casual parking costs US$1 per hour at the complex. The deposit is refundable within 30 days of termination of the lease. This will be paid back if the motorist does not owe Easipark any money. Failure to pay the subscription by the first of the month gives Easipark the right to immediately terminate access to parking space. The motorist can also be asked to immediately return the access tag.
According to the lease agreement disclaimer, Easipark is not responsible for any loss or damage to cars or property on its premises.