Concerns have been raised about a proposal to ditch street parking in Canberra’s town centres under an ACT Greens plan to boost active travel.
Greens MLA Jo Clay released a discussion paper last week that aims to present a number of ideas to the ACT Government, on how it could improve the uptake of active travel options.
One of those includes the relocation of street parking in busy centres elsewhere nearby, in a bid to encourage Canberrans to walk in or leave the car at home.
Braddon’s United Retailers & Traders (BURT) association has welcomed the discussion around improving active travel.
‘BURT supports more cycleways, better paths, expanded eScooter and eBike programs, and better connection to the light rail.’
However, Spokesperson Kel Watt said the removal of parking in Braddon would be a death blow to business and jobs in the area.
“Without convenient parking, customers will head elsewhere and desert our boutique small businesses for large franchises in the malls with multistorey parking.”
“Surveys and feedback from businesses, customers and residents show very strong support for better parking, not its removal.”
“Until all other aspects of Jo Clay’s proposals are in place to even make it a realistic discussion topic, an end to Braddon on street parking must be ruled out.”
The discussion paper is open for community consultation until the end of April before it will be submitted to the ACT Government.
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