PARKING PROBLEMS

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 72, Issue 6241, 12 June 1946, Page 11

PARKING PROBLEMS

TRAFFIC INSPECTOR’S SUGGESTIONS REPRESENTATIONS TO BE MADE TO MAIN HIGHWAYS BOARD Traffic Inspector M. P. Norris waited on the Borough .Council on Monday by invitation to discuss parking problems with councillors. Mr Norris said he appreciated the opportunity to discuss parking problems which were difficult ones. He had given the matter considerable thought and with the co-operation of the Borough Council he hoped to evolve a plan that would meet the situation. The recent change to parallel parking in some streets had resulted in much criticism, and while that system had some good points, until they found an area where cars could be parked they would have to do their best. Quite a lot of difficulty was experienced in getting in and out of parallel parking, and a large amount of space was wasted. The parking area used by the courtesy of Dr Hiskens was useful and early arrivals spoiled it and what was wanted was a man to be there to direct parking from say 9.30 to 12.30. Mr Norris went on to refer to business people who parked cars in front of their premises all day. He did not want to have time limit parking introduced, and he asked if there were any near-by sections available that could be used for parking. They did not wish to drive motorists too far away. Churchill Street had helped considerably.

To Cr Hopping Mr Norris said that motorists must keep back 20 feet so as not to obstruct the pedestrian crossings. The street along the front of the Post Office was the most congested area for moving traffic. Parallel parking meant a lot of waste room.

Continuing Mr Norris suggested liffiit parking along the Post Office or the parallel systems. Business men complained that they were being penalised because cars could not be parked with the resultant loss of business. The Mayor referred to the practice of some business people parking their cars all day in front of their business places. Mr Norris said that he had spoken to them on that point and some had removed their cars. The co-operation of the business people would be helpful. From the Post Office side of Sloane Street to Rickit’s gate there could be parallel parking, and it could be altered on • the other side of the street. Warning notices could be erected at Newton King’s Corner. At this stage the matter was discussed by the inspector and councillors in an informal manner. Mr Norris said that if any alterations were made the Main Highways Board would have to be notified. Mr Norris again suggested getting a man on duty especially on Thursdays for two hours for a few weeks to see that everyone parked correctly. He would give his attention also. Big trucks were inclined to pull into Sloane Street for lengthy periods, and they were likely to cause an accident. Drastic steps would have to be taken to deal with large trucks. Mr Norris then dealt in detail with the various streets where parallel parking is now in force, and he outlined where such should be allowed and where angle parking should be permitted. Continuing, Mr Norris said that they could not take parking too far away from the centre of the town as some shopping of a heavy nature was done. There was an area in Bank Street that would be suitable for parking and it would be most helpful if it was available. Cr Parsons undertook to interview the owner of the property concerned. The recommendations of the Inspector were approved and will be submitted to the Main Highways Board for consideration and approval. Mr Close suggested the use of Redoubt Street which if tar sealed and marked would provide space for many cars. Mr Norris said the suggestion was a valuable one. The Mayor thanked Mr Norris for his attendance and helpful report.