BUSINESS owners in Stewart Street want to see changes to timed parking that will encourage a better turnover of the few spaces available.
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As it stands, the central business district side of Stewart Street, between Lambert and Rocket Streets, has a one hour limit, while the opposite side is not timed.
Some business owners in the area have said that the generous time limits are discouraging potential customers as it is very difficult to find a spot close to where they are going.
On top of that, they say that Bathurst Regional Council's parking rangers are not patrolling Stewart Street, leaving people confident enough to park in the one-hour zone all day.
Business owners from the 4WD Zone, Bathurst Pizza and Vic's Place, and Little Acres butcher agree that 30-minute parking would be ideal, provided it is monitored.
"It is just ease for customers to shop. You've got a lot of older people now who go to that chemist and they need easier parking to get out, get their scripts and go," butcher Jim Jordan said.
"You're going to lose business if they can't get a park, and keep driving around and around the block. It's just not suitable for anybody."
Matt Holden, the owner of the 4WD Zone, said he is fortunate to have a car park for his customers, but it ends up being used by people going to other businesses because there's no space on the street.
If there isn't a change, some businesses could end up closing.
"It's really affecting our businesses. Times are tough and council must understand that," Victor Issa, the owner of two takeaway shops, said.
Councillor Alex Christian will be pressing council to review parking times along Stewart Street and to be more vigilant with its parking patrols.
He said if these businesses don't get the extra support, they could shut up shop.
"It is critical that council supports small business. They are all local businesses here and they've all identified that there is an issue here that's affecting trade," he said.
"One hour when you've got a butcher, two takeaway places, a barber and a chemist, it's just too long because these businesses rely on in-and-out trade."
