Advice on car parks

Press, 21 October 1978, Page 9

Advice on car parks

The Christchurch City Council’s Town Clerk, Mr J. H. Gray, replies to our editorial article on Monday. We welcome the opportunity to draw attention to the efforts of the council to publicise its parking facilities.

“Your editorial article, parking without offence on Monday, October 16, suggests that the hours on which the Manchester Street parking building is open are not adequately publicised,” says Mr Gray. “The car park forecast for al! of the council’s car parks giving opening times and anticipated occupancy rates are broadcast by 3ZB at 9.21 a.m. every Friday (or late shopping day); Monday to Thursday inclusive during

the week before Easter; Monday to Friday inclusive during the May and August school holidays, and each shopping day for the two weeks before Christmas and New Year week. “Radio Avon also broadcasts parking situation reports several times a day during busy periods. In addition, the opening hours for each of the car parks are printed on customers receipts and displayed prominently at the parks themselves.

“The Ministry of Transport and our car parks division keep in close liaison and motorists are advised during broadcasts to telephone the Ministry before travelling into town to

determine those areas where parking is available. Each of the car parks has recently been equipped with two-way radio and motorists are redirected from full parks to those with vacant spaces.

“The Manchester Street park is open every Saturday night and the management of the Theatre Royal advises us when they have shows on other evenings, on which occasions the car park is opened.

“Before Christmas last year, maps showing the location of car parks and parking hours were advertised in local newspapers and -this will be done again this year.”