Limited parking woes

By Caitlin Bewley
(3rd Yr Swinburne Uni)

Business owners in Ballan have raised their concerns with the one-hour parking along Inglis Street at their February Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Although the one-hour parking limit has been around for over 12 years, a local shop director says, “it’s never been enforced, so why now?”
“[The one-hour parking signs] have been there for over five years, since I’ve worked [at Cartier Travel],” he said. “But they’ve never been policed.”
“People come through Ballan with their caravans and want to stop to go down the main street, stop at cafes, look at the courthouse – they can’t do that with the time restraints on parking,” the shop director said.
“We’re not happy. Two of my staff members and a client have been booked. They either need to get rid of [the time restraints], or police them fairer.”
He suggested prior to this occurring, “why not have a discussion with the stake holders so it’s a win win for everyone; those that wish to frequent the town and those that work there.”
A spokesperson for Moorabool Shire Council told the Moorabool News the parking restrictions are historic to the town and people were aware of what was to come.
“Enforcement of parking within the Shire, including Ballan, has been an ongoing for many years.
“Increased activity and compliance has occurred over the past few months as a result of an increase in resources being diverted to the area, to ensure that parking provision is provided for all and that vehicle turnover is occurring,” the spokesperson said.
But was there ever a community consultation before the signs were erected? The council’s spokesperson advised it was raised twice.
“Prior to finalising the Ballan streetscape project, the community was consulted, and feedback forms filled in with one question specifically around parking. Concept plans were also on display.
“Just prior to construction, each resident and business on the impacted sections were door-knocked or letter-boxed with details of the works and what it would mean for parking.”
An issue that was brought to the chamber’s attention was of insufficient parking time out the front of businesses that may require parking for longer than an hour, including pubs and cafes.
Council told the Moorabool News this was to “ensure everyone has a fair chance to get a parking spot.”
“There is parking off the main street that is un-metered and there are untimed parking spots on the main street for disability-parking permit holders,” a spokesperson from Council said.
Chamber of Commerce President Michael Ryan said they would write a letter to Council with their concerns.
Central Ward Councillor Paul Tatchell told a Development Assessment Committee (DAC) meeting he would like to see a change to the parking limit to longer than one-hour.
“This has an affect on businesses, and we are trying to encourage people to lunch and meet in the town, and now they can’t,” he said.
Cr Tatchell proposed at least a two-hour limit.