Data collected by the City during January this year, shows weekday pedestrian activity in the City is more than 5 per cent lower than the same time last year, with weekend activity also down.
 
Weekend night time activity for January 2021, was more than 7 per cent lower when compared with the same period last year.
 
Google Mobility data shows that the City’s retail saw a 30 per cent downturn in pedestrian activity apparent since restrictions in late December, when compared with pre-COVID-19 levels.
 
Entertainment and events have also been impacted with the Australia Day Skyworks attendance down, and the entertainment sector showing a 15 per cent drop in crowds on Saturday nights since the recent restrictions were introduced.
 
Perth City parking data reinforces the decline in activity with the daily figure of vehicles using the City’s carparks and street parking dropping from 27,000 to 22,000 in recent days.
 
Prior to the recent restrictions, the City’s Christmas Lights Trail drew larger crowds than last year, with visitors to the City up 17 per cent on Friday evenings compared to last year.
 
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas called on the public to do their bit to safely support City businesses who depended on their patronage.
 
“There’s no doubt that these figures paint a concerning picture for City businesses and entertainment providers who are one of the sectors most impacted by COVID-19,” Mr Zempilas said.
 
“Now more than every they need your support and I encourage everyone to mask up and move forward to safely support our City businesses so they can continue to operate for the benefit of the community, people’s jobs and the greater Western Australian economy.”
 
The City of Perth continues to work with local businesses on a range of incentives and support packages including $5 night-time parking available at all of the City’s carparks and a range of grant programs.

 
Issued by: Gina Zanotti, Senior Media and Communications Advisor, 9461 3394 gina.zanotti@cityofperth.wa.gov.au