Parking in Mount Maunganui North is back on Tauranga City Council’s agenda.

It comes more than a year after the council put the brakes on controversial plans to introduce paid parking in the area, following strong opposition from businesses.

The council said in a statement this week it was asking the community for ideas to balance the parking needs of everyone who “lives, works, plays and visits” Mount Maunganui.

It said ongoing parking issues, including 100% occupancy at peak times, had highlighted the need for a parking management plan.

Parking strategy manager Reece Wilkinson said while the matter had been discussed before, it was time to start afresh.

Input from residents, businesses and visitors would be used to shape the plan.

“We want to know what’s working well, what’s not, and what ideas you’ve got to make it work better. Whether it’s tried and tested solutions or out-of-the-box ideas, nothing is off-limits.

“We’re open to suggestions, from time limits to yellow line markings in tight streets, and anything else that springs to mind, as long as it’s realistic.”

The areas of focus included from Adams Ave, near Mauao, to Sutherland Ave.

Wilkinson said people could also share feedback and ideas about other areas in the Mount where parking was a concern.

Tauranga deputy mayor Jen Scoular, the Mauao/Mount Maunganui ward councillor, said it was a chance for everyone to share their views.

“As a biker, my best suggestion is to get out of your car, but for those who need to drive, here’s the chance to have your say.

“I have heard some people comment that we don’t need to change what’s currently there, but let’s ask the community for feedback.”

People could give feedback via the council’s website before July 25, and there will also be in-person feedback events added.

As reasons for revisiting the issue, the website said lots of new development was planned for the area.

The previous proposal would have introduced paid parking in the retail area of Maunganui Rd and along the beachfronts.

While paid parking discussions were put on ice, the council planned to take a tougher stance on people flouting time limits.

Tauranga has paid public parking in several areas and parking buildings in the CBD.