City’s plan for its bustling laneways

PEDESTRIANS could score better access to Little Malop Street than motorists after the City of Greater Geelong voted to restrict vehicle access in the precinct, but the plan will need VicRoads’ stamp before it goes ahead.

Council approved an amended proposal to limit motorists between Dennys Place and Moorabool Street at its community focus meeting last week, with automated rising bollards set to block access to vehicles from 10am-4am the following morning.

The changes would mean delivery drivers and other motorists would only have access to the two roadways between 4-10am.

Dedicated loading zones in surrounding streets would remain operational (including Gheringhap Street and Malop Street), along with short-term parking for drop-offs and pick-ups in James Street and Dennys Place.

In a statement released last week, the city said consultation with stakeholders in April and May of last year was key to understanding how the area was used and the potential effects of implementing access restrictions.

Feedback was received from business owners, residents and property owners to ensure the times chosen would not negatively influence these stakeholders.

Dennys Place has now been removed from the restricted area, which is regularly used to access an apartment building, along with some off-street parking for offices and shops.

If the plan gets the green light, bollards will be positioned on the eastern side of Dennys Place.

Under the proposed changes, drivers using a private car park at the end of McLarty Place wouldn’t have access to the laneway during the restricted times but would need to enter and exit via a pre-existing driveway on Malop Street.

Emergency services would have access to the area at all times by using a key, as well as Barwon Water and Powercor to attend urgent repairs.

According to the city, VicRoads has “previously provided in principle support” of the plan.