The introduction of a new bus service from Newstead through the Valley to the city and West End could see the removal of dozens of on-street carparks, the local councillor warns.
Cr David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) says the council is considering the fate of carparking along Ann and Wickham streets as part of the new “City Glider” service. Cr Hinchliffe said he had lodged a petition on behalf of 16 traders in the Ann St area earlier this year asking for one-hour parking in Ann Street on weekends to encourage “turnover”' of parking.
The response from council was: “Brisbane Transport (BT) are currently finalising the proposal to implement the City Glider Bus Service which is likely to impact on some of the current parking restrictions along Ann Street.
A decision regarding the impact of the City Glider on future parking restrictions should be known by late January, early February 2010.' Cr Hinchliffe called on the council to state clearly whether parking will be impacted and how.
“I support the City Glider service, but I also think it’s vital that council consult with all businesses in the Valley and the general public about whether whole lanes of parking or traffic will be dedicated to the new service or not.
“We know the general issues, but the devil is always in the detail. This service is a good initiative, but good initiatives can be undone by sloppy detail.
“It’s time for the council to take the community into its confidence and tell it like it is. Will the Valley lose a lot of on-street parking? If so, where and how much?”
