Parking meters backlash

WOLLONGONG businesses have launched a last-ditch attempt to fight the decision to install parking meters throughout the CBD.

Those behind the campaign will pressure the region's state and federal MPs - who have already expressed some concern about the plan - and ask them to forcefully present the case against the meters to power brokers at Wollongong City Council.

Also planned are a petition, media advertising campaign and a public meeting.

State Opposition spokesman for the Illawarra Greg Pearce has already confirmed he will attend the meeting, which is likely to ensure the issue becomes a political one.

City Diggers general manager Phil Ryan heads the campaign and says that all bar one of the Crown St Mall businesses he has spoken to are against the parking meter plan.

With its 14,000 members, the club is a potentially powerful opponent of the council.

Mr Ryan believes the installation of parking meters covering 850 CBD spaces will drive people away from Wollongong to Figtree, Corrimal and Shellharbour, where free parking is readily available.

He is also concerned about the safety of late night workers, who will have to walk long distances to their cars in the dark.

"I can't imagine the council is going to provide security for them," Mr Ryan said.

"I just don't think the council have thought about the whole issue thoroughly.

"If it drives people away it means that staff, and therefore jobs, right through the mall could be at risk.

"It's not even about the $2 cost of the meters. It's the fear of being booked.

"People who come to town for the doctors, to shop or to come to the club are going to go elsewhere because they don't want to have to worry the whole time they're here about the prospect of getting a fine."

City Diggers has been subsidising a pay-for-use private car park next door, but Mr Ryan laments the end of free parking in the CBD.

"I think they have put the cart before the horse. Surely if you want to address the traffic problem you first build appropriate parking facilities and then, once they're up, you introduce the meters so people do the right thing.

"They've got this back to front - this is just revenue raising."

It will take seven years to pay for the meters, which will generate between $1-2 million each year. They will be rolled out over the next 12 months unless the council changes its mind.

The council argues there is no other viable alternative to solve the parking shortage.

It cites a looming commuter crisis, with an anticipated 80 per cent increase in traffic volume by 2026.

Mr Ryan says another point of contention is the fact that 12 car spaces at MacCabe Park, designated for use by council vehicles only during weekdays, are rarely used.

Seven of the 12 spaces were empty on Thursday at 3.30pm.

? Everyone is invited to a meeting at City Diggers at 6pm on April 21.