COUNCILLORS would like to see more lined parking in Bathurst’s central business district to maximise the number of spaces available to motorists.
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Bathurst Regional Council started its trial of lined angled parking in George Street, between Russell and Keppel streets, in November, 2014.
Councillors Warren Aubin and Jess Jennings agree that parking on that block has improved since the lines were added, but other parts of the CBD leave much to be desired.
At last week’s policy committee meeting, Cr Jennings said he had seen “some pretty shocking 45 degree parking” and indicated he would support more lines if council was satisfied the trial had been successful.
After the meeting, Cr Aubin, who is also a member of Bathurst’s traffic committee, said the lines had proven effective in increasing the consistency of parking on that block.
“It started off a bit dodgy, but you can drive up there now and most cars are parked in the lines and I think it has created parking spaces,” he said.
“I’d like to see it spread around the whole CBD area.”
Cr Aubin said council could do a gradual roll-out of the lines, going block by block and targeting the worst areas first.
When asked which areas he thought could use lined parking, he suggested out the front of Bathurst RSL Club.
However, he said there are some areas that are due for resurfacing work and would have to wait until that was completed before lines are added.
While Cr Aubin acknowledges that not everyone likes the idea of having lined parking, he said it is a guideline to ensure the city wasn’t always losing parking spots to bad parking.
“It just ensures that we have the maximum parking spaces on each block,” he said.
Cr Jennings isn’t sure about a full roll-out of lined parking at this stage, but does believe there are certain areas crying out for it.
“I think I’d be happy to see that pilot [program] extended to a few other areas, particularly around Machattie Park,” he said.
“Step-by-step, slowly but surely we will get better parking.
“If that pilot of George Street has been working, then that is reason enough to extend it to other areas.”
The matter needs to be referred to the traffic committee for determination before council can budget for it.