Parking meters are up and running
Local businessmen think the park and pay system is a money making scheme.
THE first phase of the controversial new public parking system has been rolled out in the Port Shepstone and Margate CBDs.
Local businessmen are worried that the new parking meters will affect trade. “I have owned a business in Port Shepstone for the last 22 years, and have not been informed or approached at all by the municipality about the allocation of a parking bay,” said an angry businessman. He added that he feared that the parking meters would chase away customers.
“Park and pay systems are really justified when there is an efficient transport system in place. It should not be viewed as a money making scheme but a method of alleviating parking problems in the business centre and not extend to onerous walking distances,” he said.
Hibiscus Coast Municipality has warned that anyone parking in the CBDs in these towns is now required to pay for parking between 8am and 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 2pm on Saturdays.
The cost is R2 for 20 minutes, R3 for 30 minutes and R6 for an hour. Payment can be made with coins or ItraMAS smart cards for those who register.
Those who refuse to pay or who violate the parking system will be fined R200, and non-payment of the fines within the stipulated timeframe will lead to summons being issued.
HCM spokesman Simon Soboyisa said wardens will monitor the parking spaces online, and if the parking management system shows that the meter has expired, or if there is a vehicle parked in the bay and the meter shows no payment, a parking violation notice will be issued.
“Neither ItraMas nor the municipality will be held liable if the motorist has paid the parking attendant, so care has to be taken that the payment is made at the parking meter,” warned Mr Soboyisa.
