By Jessica Micallef
A Sunbury business owner is calling on Hume council to introduce carparking permits for business people.
The business owner, who wished to remain anonymous, has been left fuming after the council switched five all-day parking spaces to two-hour parking in the Barkly Street off-street carpark.
“It’s just impossible for people who have businesses on O’Shanassy Street to get a park and park your car for a day at work – you just can’t do it,” the business owner said.
“The parking was originally for the staff, for people who have businesses.”
The business owner said the switch to two-hour parking was “screwing over businesses”.
“There’s really nowhere you can go. The surrounding streets are full of cars, there’s really nowhere to park unless you park many streets away.”
The business owner wants a permit system so business people can park all day in time-based parking spots.
“Have an allocation for people who run businesses in Sunbury,” he said.
“For people going in to the shops, they don’t need all day parking – not even an hour.”
In reponse to Star Weekly questions about the two-hour parking and potential for a permit system, Hume sustainable infrastructure director Peter Waite said the parking restrictions were introduced on May 15 to “manage the demand for parking by encouraging turnover of spaces in higher traffic areas”.
“Five additional two-hour parking spaces have been provided in lieu of all day spaces in the Barkly Street off-street carpark,” he said.
“In addition, two unrestricted spaces were converted to one disabled parking space.
“All residents and visitors are encouraged to observe parking restrictions throughout our city. Parking infringements of $50 apply for staying longer than permitted.
“These changes are in line with the Sunbury Town Centre Local Traffic Area Management endorsed by council on June 25, 2018.”
