Workers buy time Author: GR Date: 03/08/2006 Publication: Newcastle Herald
MORE than 800 residents and business people have signed a petition opposing the introduction of metered parking on The Hill.
Newcastle Grammar School teacher Mitchell Brain said the response to the petition, which began circulating last Monday, had been overwhelming.
"About 95 per cent of people have been willing to take [the petitions]," Mr Brain said.
"Businesses are particularly concerned about how it would affect them."
The Hill parking plan forms part of Newcastle City Council's city centre parking strategy, adopted in 2002.
A council spokeswoman said the strategy was developed as a result of extensive research, public exhibition and consultation.
The council adopted a recommendation that paid parking areas in the city be extended in stages.
The council said consultation in March this year showed 60 per cent of those who participated were in favour of metered parking on The Hill.
But Mr Brain said the support for the petition proved the council's claim was wrong.
"The proposal was not sent to many of what the council refers to as stakeholders, such as those workers who park on The Hill," he said.
"It's pretty obvious there are a lot of people who were never given the opportunity to participate in the consultation process."
They included about 50 Newcastle Grammar School staff who would be affected by the installation of meters.
"If you come to school late you are going to have to park in a two-hour zone and then come out and move your car all day," Mr Brain said.
"I've been working here for 18 years and now I'm being asked to solve the planning mistakes made by someone else."
Mr Brain said the petition would be presented to Lord Mayor John Tate.
The council was to debate the issue on August 15, but a council spokeswoman said the matter would be deferred until September 12.