Browns Bay parking meets demand

Overall, Browns Bay town centre has enough parking to meet demand, and most visitors can find a car park quickly, a North Shore City Council survey has found.

"We interviewed 366 people parking in Browns Bay and found that 79 per cent found a parking space in less than two minutes, and another 14 per cent took less than five minutes to find a space. Almost 90 per cent of people surveyed said the available parking had met their needs," North Shore City's transport planning manager, Graeme Read, says.

"However, there are a couple of 'hot spots' where demand exceeds supply. These are on the northern side of Beachfront Lane and Clyde Rd, but both are within easy walking distance of areas where more parking is available."

The council conducted a survey of parking in Browns Bay on a Wednesday and Saturday in October 2004, and found there are almost 2000 public and business car parks in the town centre.

"The survey shows the average usage of parking spaces in Browns Bay during the day is less than 70 per cent," Graeme Read says.

"Despite this, about a third of people interviewed, and more than 80 per cent of businesses interviewed, believe there is a need for more parking in Browns Bay. In particular, businesses wanted more parking for staff."

Graeme Read says people who work in Browns Bay rely heavily on cars. "Our interviews with businesses found 95 per cent of workers drove to work, and only two per cent caught the bus."

The study findings suggest that, overall, the level of parking in Browns Bay meets demand, although some improvements could be made to the management of parking. There is also a need to consider long-term options.

"For now, we are considering various parking strategies, which we will consult the community on in the coming months," Graeme Read says.

"These will fit in with projects already under way, such as the improvements to Beachfront Lane.

"We are also encouraging more people to catch the bus, walk or cycle, with projects planned across North Shore City to improve bus stops and stations, cycle lanes and racks, and footpaths." (ends)

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