Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) has been receiving complaints from business owners regarding the long-term parking of vehicles outside their premises, resulting in the loss of custom and potential sales.
Business owners in Cootamundra and Gundagai have contacted Council requesting action, they are particularly scathing of fellow business owners who park outside their shops in both the main shopping centre precincts in Cootamundra and Gundagai.
CGRC Regional Services Managers in Cootamundra and Gundagai, Mr Wayne Bennett and Mr Greg Ewings have both stated they are reluctant to issue fines, however it is an option council can pursue should repeat warnings be ignored.
Whilst enforcing parking time limits in the main shopping centre precincts is an option, it is not preferred and Council urges business owners and motorists to be considerate and adhere to the signed parking limit times.
“Council does not want to start issuing fines, this is more about making people aware that long term parking outside of businesses in our main streets is costing those businesses potential income. If people can’t get a parking spot close to where they want to shop, they will just drive on. Our communities have an aging population and people with disabilities and we need to be very aware that ease of parking to venues they want to visit is extremely important,” Mr Bennett said.
“The complaints Council are receiving come from the business owners, who appear to be disappointed that fellow business owners and their employees are parking for much of the day out the front of their shops. This not only causes friction amongst our business community, but it is also a disservice to the patrons of the businesses affected. Council urges all shop and business owners to review their parking practices and if possible, park at the rear of your premises or in an area that is clearly marked for longer term parking” Mr Bennett added.
Picture and caption:
At times parking in the CBDs in Cootamundra and Gundagai are at a premium, motorists and business owners are urged to show some respect and courtesy to all and adhere to parking time limits. Photo credit Matt Beaver.
