Parking
Community sentiment around parking in Fremantle is consistently frustrated, with weekend market congestion near High Street and South Terrace receiving the most feedback. Residents and businesses alike flag the lack of enforcement and inadequate signage as core issues. Three proposals focus on timed parking zones and permit systems; the most upvoted suggests a resident-only permit scheme for streets within 200m of the markets. One unanswered question: the City has not yet clarified its position on the proposed paid parking trial along Marine Terrace.
Related projects
City Response
The City of Fremantle is currently reviewing the Parking Management Strategy for the town centre. A public consultation process will open in April 2026. We acknowledge community concerns about weekend congestion near the Fremantle Markets and will include this feedback in the strategy review. A report will be presented to Council in the June 2026 ordinary meeting.
Elected Representative
I've raised parking availability near the markets at two consecutive Council briefings. This is one of the top issues in Ward 2. I support the resident permit proposal and have asked officers to fast-track the feasibility assessment. Residents should expect an update before end of April.
AI-highlighted
Multi-deck conversion of Parry Street car park
Convert the underutilised council car park on Parry Street to a multi-deck structure with ground-floor retail activation. Feasibility study already exists from 2022 — just needs a council decision to proceed. This would add 300+ spaces within walking distance of the CBD.
Proposals (4)
Resident permit scheme within 200m of Fremantle Markets
Introduce a resident permit parking scheme for all streets within 200 metres of the Fremantle Markets. Residents with permits get unrestricted access; non-permit holders limited to 2 hours between 9am–6pm on weekends.
Dynamic pricing for council car parks + shuttle funding
Implement dynamic pricing for council car parks — lower rates in the morning, higher on weekends and market days. Revenue to fund free shuttle buses from Fremantle Train Station on Saturdays.
Private car park after-hours access for night economy
Work with private landowners on King Street to open their car parks after hours on Friday and Saturday nights to support the night economy. A simple MOU with the City taking on liability would unlock several hundred spaces at no capital cost.
Comments (9)
There's never any parking near the markets on weekends. I've started parking in Hilton and walking which takes 25 minutes. It's not realistic for families.
The 2-hour limit signs on South Terrace are basically ignored and there's zero enforcement. Rangers need to be more visible on Saturdays.
We surveyed 45 businesses last month. 78% said parking was the number one factor cited by customers as a reason not to visit more often. This is a trading issue, not just a convenience issue.
The Woolstores car park is never full on weekends but the signage doesn't direct people there. Better wayfinding would cost almost nothing.
Important to flag: any permit scheme needs to consider residents who can't afford to pay. If permits have a fee, there should be a concession rate tied to pension or health care cards.
Has anyone looked at what East Fremantle did with their permit system? I think there are lessons there — particularly around preventing permit zone displacement.
We strongly oppose any reduction in total parking supply until there's a demonstrated alternative in place. People will simply drive to Booragoon if it gets too difficult to park here.
I'm cautiously supportive of dynamic pricing but the City needs to guarantee the shuttle service actually runs reliably before removing affordable parking options.
Main Roads WA notes that any changes to on-street parking on Marine Terrace require coordination with us as it's classified as a state road. We're open to discussions with City of Fremantle officers.