One small step for parking, one giant hop for residents

Former Waverley Mayor John Wakefield has flagged the introduction of 15-minute “hop-in” parking spaces in Waverley.

The move comes as a response to the needs of local shoppers and as part of the push to curb the perennial parking problem in the area.

“What we’re proposing is to create physical spaces where the meter is removed,” Cr Wakefield said. “It would be a simple mechanism but we would need to ensure that it’s effectively implemented.”

Fellow Labor Councillor Ingrid Strewe praised the initiative, arguing it would be worthwhile for Council to consider reinstating the 15-minute parking zone on Hall St in Bondi Beach.

“It would take a lot of work to [figure] out what is the best place, but the one outside the Post office on Hall St worked fabulously … it was just brilliant. It meant they weren’t parked up for several hours by people; they were 15-minute spots,” she said.

Ms Strewe said the zones would allow people to stop at the local stores, do their grocery shopping and visit the bank. The parking time limit is hoped to result in a high amount of turnover during the 15 minutes.

According to Ms Strewe, these free spaces would be an addition to existing two-hour and three-hour parking zones in Waverley, and would also be of great benefit to local businesses.

Monica Dos Santos, a resident of Bondi, said Council always prioritised commercial activity in their parking agenda, and overlooked the influx of visitors at a great expense to local residents.

“I think the issue is consistency. There’s always Council concerns for the business community, which is obviously important, as we all want to stop and stay in the local community to buy our goods. We want people to visit us to keep the business going,” she said.

“There should be more discussions about what’s reasonable, how can we best meet the needs of young working families in the area and [address] the increase of visitors.”

But Ms Strewe said the initiative will be of benefit to local residents looking to pay bills and buy groceries.

“It’s like a service to the community. It makes it easier for people who desperately need a litre of milk to stop and [get] that,” she said.

Carrington Rd and Bronte Rd will also be considered as potential zones for 15-minute hop-in spaces. Waverley Council will make its final decision on the proposal at the February 19 Council meeting.