Council aiming to alleviate parking jam

Council is looking to ease parking congestion and increase accessibility to shops by implementing temporary measures at the northern end of Argent Street.

The combined effect of the refurbishment of the West Darling Hotel, the temporary relocation of the YMCA into Oxide Street, and the relocation of businesses to that vicinity is currently placing extreme pressure on parking.

Council's General Manager, James Roncon, said Council had taken the concerns of businesses on board and have instigated a 12-month trial that will see a number of 4-hour parks and two taxi spaces replaced with a mix of 2-hour, 1/2 hour and 15-minute parks (effective during business hours).

"We were approached by a number of businesses who expressed their concerns around the parking jam at that end of Argent Street, particularly during business hours, so we've shortened some of the parking times to improve access to business and promote increased turnover of parks," he said.

"We engaged with all of the affected businesses and the YMCA regarding the changes and got their feedback, and we'd like to thank them for providing an informed view of how we can improve things.

"It should also be noted that the YMCA and the city's taxi companies were very accommodating and amenable to changes that will benefit the businesses around them, and I think that shows great community spirit.

"It's obviously a very difficult task to meet the needs of shoppers, business owners, gym members and aged and disabled motorists all at the same time, but we hope we've been able to achieve a bit of balance in this instance."

The rollout of the new parking signage is currently underway.

Those wishing to have broader input into parking in the CBD are encouraged to make a submission regarding the city's Parking Strategy in the coming months.

The strategy is expected to go before Council's July meeting, where Councillors will be able to vote to open the strategy for public exhibition and submissions.