Meter spread will ‘hit people hard’

NEWS

A large planned increase in the number of parking meters in the Fortitude valley area will hit some businesses and residents hard, local councillor David Hinchliffe (Central Ward) believes.

“Wherever they go in they cause grief,” he told The Independent.
In a letter to local residents last Friday week, Cr Hinchliffe wrote: “At my briefing by council traffic officers this morning, I was told there will be an increase of metered parking spaces in part of the Valley area (bounded by Wickham Street, Commercial Roadd, Arthur Street and Brunswick Street from 418 car spaces to 707 metered car spaces – an increase of 289 spaces.
“I understand that this increase is not subject to negotiation. The officers have apparently made an assessment on how many additional parking meters can be installed and the Deputy Mayor Cr Graham Quirk, who is responsible for parking, has approved this increase. As well, all the current “Pay and Display” meters and current single meters in that part of the Valley would be replaced by “Pay by Plate” meters which require number plates to be keyed in and do not require display of receipts.
“For residents in this area there will be a total of 140 of the 707 metered car spaces signed to exempt residents with valid Resident Parking Permits from paying,” Cr Hinchliffe said.
The number of metered spaces which would allow residents with permits to be exempted were:
• Arthur St (between James St and Brunswick St) - 24 spaces
• Arthur St (between James St and Commercial Rd) - 21 spaces
• Malt St and Upper Bowen Tce - 13 spaces
• Robertson St - 17 spaces • Doggett St (between James St and Commercial Rd) - 23 spaces
• Wandoo St (10 spaces)
• Chester St (between Doggett St and Ann St) - 8 spaces
• Church St - 6 spaces
• Ella St - 6 spaces • Morse St - 5 spaces
• Proe St - 4 spaces
• Leopold St - 3 spaces