New car parking trial in town

“The bypass will have a positive effect on the town next summer, but while construction continues we are looking to see what we can be done in the meantime,” Terry Dodds director transport and utilities said.

At the council meeting, Wednesday, December 14, councillors gave the go ahead for the temporary changes which include the installation of a No Stopping zone  in Market Street replacing 2 x 1P parking spaces in front to Maconalds, replacement of a 1 x 5minute parking space in Market Street opposite the intersection of Beach Street with a No Stopping zone, provision of a loading zone in the 1 x 5 minute parking space on Market Street, north of the pedestrian crossing and the installation of a loading zone in Market Street replacing 3 x 30 minutes parking spaces in front of the Promenade.

Mr Dodds said that with the support of the Merimbula Chamber of Commerce, seven short stay car parking spaces along Market Streets will make way for slip lanes in order to keep traffic moving and reduce the tendency of vehicles backing up north and south of the CBD during the peak season.

In a letter of support to council’s traffic committee, chamber president, James Smith said the trial would be well received by business owners.

New street signage is being installed to help motorists adjust to the change.

In his report to council Mr Dodds said that the changes  could be seasonal, coming into operation every December until the start of March but also pointed out that if benefits were significant, it was proposed to make the changes permanent.

The trial coincides with the revitalisation of the Palmer Street car park; council staff are putting finishing touches to landscaping.