The times might soon be changing at St Clair Esplanade as a proposal for a range of alterations to parking at the popular seaside area is now open for public feedback.

The Dunedin City Council (DCC) is proposing to convert a number of unrestricted vehicle parks to have time restrictions along Forbury Road, the Esplanade, and Second Beach Road, and wants to hear from the public on the proposed changes.

The proposed time restrictions range from P5 (5-minute), P120 (2-hour) and P240 (4-hour). Two parks are also proposed to be changed to variable zones so they can be assigned as bookable mobile trading spaces during peak times.

DCC Group Manager Transport Jeanine Benson says the Esplanade and surrounding streets have not had any time parking restrictions in the past.

“This has limited the amount of short-term parking available for visitors,” Ms Benson says. “As a result, there have been numerous requests asking the DCC to reconsider the parking restrictions in the area.”

The proposed changes aim to increase parking turnover and availability, and to help better meet the needs of local businesses and the community. New short stay time restrictions will improve safety in the area and reduce instances of illegal stopping on yellow lines and in the traffic lane.

“We’d like to hear from anyone who wants to share their view on the proposal,” Ms Benson says. This includes the wider public, the community, nearby residents, business owners, and visitors to the area.

“We want to know whether we’ve got the right mix of timed parking that serves the community and supports turnover for businesses.”

The proposal would not result in the removal or loss of any free parking spaces in the area. All parks would still remain free of charge but will have restrictions on the time allowed for vehicles to stay. Parking in the DCC managed carpark overlooking the Esplanade and ocean will remain unrestricted.

Feedback will be taken into consideration before any final decisions are made.

Feedback can be submitted online or by letter. Submissions are now open and close 11.59pm on Friday, 23 May.

For more information, please visit: www.dunedin.govt.nz/parking-changes

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