Vancouver mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe promises more free parking

Vancouver residents could be paying less at parking meters if the Non-Partisan Association takes control of city council in the upcoming civic election.

NPA mayoral candidate Kirk LaPointe is promising to make metered street parking outside the downtown core free on Sundays and statutory holidays.

He also said his party would roll back metered parking times, ending themat8 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.

"Theres no reason Vancouverites should pay for parking that late into the evening," said LaPointe on Wednesday.

"The extended times were brought in for the 2010 Olympic Games, but they have stuck. Its nothing more than a way to gouge motorists."

LaPointe says the current rules punish many, including people who must get around by car for work or health reasons, small businesses whose customers include drivers, and parents with young children who bring strollers and other supplies on outings with them.

He criticized his rival, Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson, for the existing parking policies.

"Gregor and the Vision machine dont accept the fact that sometimes driving is the only option for many people. They want Vancouverites who rely on cars to pay up."

"Forcing metered parking on the city 365 days a year is a money grab. The NPA wants to add to the liveability of an extremely expensive city by giving Vancouverites, particularly its vulnerable residents, a break.

LaPointe's announcement came the same day Robertson announced Vision Vancouver's plans to make the city more affordable.

• Gregor Robertson banks on more affordable Vancouver

Residents across B.C. head to the polls on Nov. 15 to elect their next municipal governments.