In 2011 when Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) first mooted the idea of introducing electronic timed parking in the CBD of Armidale, I had concerns that the type of parking monitoring system which the Council was about to implement would be detrimental to business in the town.
Council’s own specialist advice on the amount of available parking indicated that there was no shortage of parking spaces. Therefore there was no need to introduce such a rigid (and expensive) parking regime where no parking problem even existed.
Council inferred that the reason for implementing the system was not to redress a parking shortage nor was it to be a revenue raising venture. Rather, its purpose was to ensure that existing parking be used more efficiently by “freeing up” the spaces taken by all-day parkers for the use of customers and clients of businesses in the CBD. I had my concerns then and I have even greater concerns now.
In the few weeks since the introduction of the electronic parking system, the “Hannas” parking area off Rusden Street behind the East Mall has become almost deserted. Not only have the all-day parkers disappeared, but the general public has been scared away. There seems to be a lack of understanding on the part of ADC regarding the “psychology” of shoppers. All shopping is not done on a dash and grab basis. Many people, including tourists and visitors, enjoy a day out shopping. They like to stroll through the shops, visiting several stores before they decide on a purchase. They like to combine shopping with visiting cafes and restaurants for a coffee or a meal. They may wish to visit the hairdresser or beauty salon, before finding an outfit for a special event, then meeting a friend for a coffee. They may need to speak to the bank manager before attempting to find a particular product in the Armidale stores. There are countless scenarios for spending an extended period in the CBD. The sudden panic of having to find another place to park their car for another hour interrupts this shopping experience and, in many cases, curtails it altogether.
If the local retail industry is to survive the global financial crisis and the competition of on-line shopping, then Armidale needs to satisfy the shopping needs of its customers with regard to where they can park and for how long.
This is not just about safeguarding the retailers but it is about the survival of the CBD and ultimately the survival of a town and its way of life. If we truly want to welcome tourists and visitors to this beautiful city, what sort of a welcome is it when they cannot even enjoy part of a day in our shops, restaurants and malls without the fear of being issued with an expensive parking fine?
I understand that it is too late to vote against the electronic monitoring system, as it has already been installed at considerable cost to ratepayers. But it is not too late to modify it by at least increasing the amount of time allowed in these parking bays.
The current two-hour limits should be extended to three hours. This would still satisfy Council’s desire to prevent all-day parkers from taking up customers’ spaces, whilst still allowing much more flexibility for shoppers, visitors and tourists. If Council’s reasons for introducing this system had nothing to do with revenue raising, then this proposed modification would have no negative impact upon Council. It would, however, have a very positive impact upon business in the CBD.
I ask Council to consider this proposal as a matter of urgency, as Christmas is fast approaching. The retail industry is a big contributor to the lifeblood of this city and our tourism industry is also dependent upon a vibrant shopping precinct.
Jennifer Hanna
Armidale
