MunicipalNews

Mixed feelings about paid parking scheme

The paid parking scheme proposed by the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) for Cyrildene has received mixed feelings from community members.

Members of the public who attended a public participation meeting recently, received information on the scheme and were not confidant that it would resolve traffic congestion in streets such as Derrick Avenue and surrounds. If the scheme is approved, it will be implemented in Derrick Avenue.

Currently shop owners in Derrick Avenue who have not provided sufficient, if any, parking for shoppers, are claiming ownership of public parking bays and converting pavements to suit their needs. Motorists park illegally and pose a threat to others who are not able to see oncoming traffic. They also park in residents’ driveways and refuse to move. Some people who work in Cyrildene, leave their vehicles in Derrick Avenue throughout the day because security guards are on site.

Motorists have also resorted to pointing firearms at those who, they believe, are “using their parking spot”.

The lack of parking available for the number of businesses in Derrick Avenue is impacting on surrounding residential streets.

This, coupled with several residential property owners illegally converting houses to provide mass accommodation without sufficient parking, is exacerbating the situation.

Some residents at the meeting supported the paid parking scheme because they believe it will stop all traffic violations.

Others believe this scheme will only be successful with continuous law enforcement.

They said the reason for motorists getting out of hand in the first place is because law enforcement is lacking.

After the meeting, a resident who wanted to remain anonymous, said she continuously calls authorities to address illegal parking, to no avail.

“Weekends are horrendous. I cannot get out of my own driveway because of inconsiderate people. I cannot have visitors over because there is no space for them to park. Maybe council should buy a property and construct a parkade? After all, they allowed this mess to happen in the first place,” she said.

Other residents said the scheme will lead to further problems. They believe motorists who do not want to pay for parking will use surrounding streets, resulting in the problem moving instead of being resolved.

Mr Kerneels Lion-Cachet, from Aganang Consulting Engineers which was appointed by CoJ to conduct survey of the suburb, said several options were considered to alleviate traffic congestion and illegal parking in Derrick Avenue.

He said that the parking scheme is meant to support and simulate effective, efficient and sustainable transport modes, support economic development but not to the detriment of the environment and protect the nature of the affected area.

Through this plan, CoJ aims to make way for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport, which are all affected at present in Cyrildene.

Mr Lion-Cachet also believes that a paid parking scheme is of benefit to businesses because it increases turnover by ensuring a short stay and makes way for more customers.

The aim of the scheme is also to reduce parking areas so people make use of public transport, cycling and walk to their destination. “The scheme aims to create an environment where everyone can benefit from what the area has to offer and be safe. Traffic calming measures such as road closures, rumble strips, raised pedestrian crossings and changing the road surface, can also be considered. When we conducted the survey we found that there were a few businesses which have basement parking but the owners use these as storage facilities. Every business should have sufficient parking for clients but this is not happening in Derrick Avenue. If the scheme is properly implemented, taking into consideration the nature of the area, it could work,” he said.

While some residents believe the scheme could yield positive results, others are adamant it will not.

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