BEACH PARKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22916, 20 December 1937, Page 12

BEACH PARKING

MISSION BAY RESERVE CHARGE STILL RESENTED ROADSIDE LINED WITH CARS Proof of the continued resentment of the motoring public against the fee demanded by the City Council for parking in the Selwyn Domain areas at Mission Bay was further demonstrated yesterday. Throughout the day, which -was perfect for seaside picnicking, about 150 vehicles made use of the reserve, compared with almost double the number the previous Sunday. Both side of the road right round the bay were closely lined with cars, whose drivers refused to enter the domain. Early arrivals who wished to enjoy the morning tide reached the domain shortly before nine o'clock, but it was not until after mid-day that the majority of the motorists began to arrive. The greatest number of occupants of the parking reserves at any one time was under 50, and there 'were again instances in which motorists unaware of the charge drove elsewhere immediately the demana was made. 'Peace and Quietness" Tents and awnings were pitched beside many of the cars in the domain. Since it was suggested that the charge should be abolished, a number of visitors to the bay have expressed themselves in favour of the present system. They claimed, jt is said, that parking conditions were always more certain for those prepared to pay, and comparative peace and quietness were more likely to be assured. 'The attitude is a selfish one. in that a few who are content to pay enjoy the facilities of a public domain at expense of many," one indignant motorist asserted. Shopkeepers' Viewpoint Shopkeepers at Mission Bay were under the impression that, after tneir recent?- protest, free parking would be reintroduced yesterday. concern was expressed as to the future policy of parking at the beach. It was stressed that the position would be aggravated beyond, measure if the parking clyirge continued when the restrictions prohibitine parking on the waterfront road adjacent to the domain were enforced. It was again noticeable that large numbers of cars did not halt at Mission Bav yesterday, but chose P re ™- ously less-frequented sections of the drive. The result was that, with the exception of a few short intervals, the line of parked cars extended down to St. Heliers. Beyond that parking demands were again particularly heavj at Lady's Bay.