The
Committee were informed of a proposed Scheme to convert 1 hour on-street
parking spots to 30 minutes in specific locations of the CBD. The proposal
has arisen out of the identified parking being frequently utilised to park
all-day with a mobility permit where the driver was not in fact entitled to
use of the permit. This effectively reduces the availability of short term
on-street parking in high traffic areas, and for people with disability
specifically.
It
was noted that changing the identified locations to 30 minute parking will
still enable people with mobility permits to utilise these spaces for up to 2
hours under NSW parking rules for on-street parking areas. This is expected
to make the spaces less likely to be used for periods longer than 30 minutes
by people who may not have a genuine need and right to do so.
Concerns
were expressed over the reduction in on-street day long or extended parking
options with the proposed Scheme and the financial challenge of utilising day
long paid off-street parking for people with disabilities.
Staff
noted that dedicated and unrestricted on-street mobility parking spaces are
still available in the CBD. While not many and their locations will change,
there number will remain the same following the changes to on-street parking
resulting from the Parramatta Light Rail.
Staff
indicated the Scheme proposed as representing one response to the frequent
use and regular abuse of on-street 1 hour parking for all-day parking with a
mobility permit.
Members
did note that the Light Right rail should further assist with transport into
and out of the CBD for people with disability.
Questions
were raised regarding if Council was seeking broader community feedback on
the proposed Scheme and specifically from people with disability.
Council
staff indicated that in addition to consulting with the Access Committee,
several measures had been taken to inform potentially affected people of the
change. This includes signs at all parking meters to be affected, engagement
with key businesses and buildings in the affected areas, ads in local press
(including Council’s), and a social media campaign. An implementation
review is also planned, to monitor the process and outcomes.
Council
staff also noted that in discussing this issue at meetings of the previous
Committee, Members indicated that a change to the limit from unlimited to 2
hours with a mobility permit was suitable for most people with disability
needing to attend appointments with health care providers or collect
prescriptions, for example.
The
Scheme is due to be considered by Council in December, and following
approval, is likely to be implemented early in 2023.
Members
were also informed of the Draft Community Engagement Strategy on Public
Exhibition and how to engage with this process.
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