An information office opened by Port Stephens Council in Nelson Bay's CBD where staff are available to answer questions on smart parking and sign people up to the park-free scheme has been hailed as "commendable" by Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"The idea has great merit and I would like to see the council embark on an awareness campaign to promote the new technology and alleviate any concerns residents may have," she said.
"With the meters to be switched on in December it is imperative that locals and visitors are made aware of the changes and have sufficient time to learn how to use the scheme."
According to a council spokesperson, in the first three days of opening more than 30 people had visited the pop-up shop located in Donald Street.
It will remain open until December 31.
The chamber's business development manager Peter Clough said that identifying car parking spaces for CBD workers and the publication of a map to be distributed to all Bay businesses were crucial for the new scheme to work efficiently.
"We estimate there are between 400 and 500 workers in the Nelson Bay CBD, and will work with the council to ensure that there are enough parking spaces identified for workers and a map be made available identifying these sites."
A council spokesperson confirmed that under the new scheme there would be all day designated parking areas for town centre employees.
"Areas include Donald Street East carpark (along eastern wall), Yaccaba Street carpark, Government Road carpark and the bowling club carpark. Time limits and restrictions will still apply to all vehicles including those who have free parking permits."
However, not all Bay business owners have been sold on the new technology, with longtime businessman Allan Cassano suggesting that the parking meters be turned off for during the quiet periods.
"My proposal to the council is that paid parking should only operate during peak times (i.e. school holidays, weekends and public holidays), because that is when most revenue for the year would be collected," Mr Cassano said.
"Outside of these times the meters should be switched off and parking should remain free all day in council car parks and on the streets."
He has also called on the council to begin with a trial period over Christmas, then publicly release the data on net income.
"We can then have a look at whether or not a substantial improvement on infrastructure can be achieved in a reasonable time frame."
More details can be found at portstephens.nsw.gov.au/live/resident-services/roads/parking-in-port-stephens.