City Council to create a ‘driver’s month’ event to bring people to the city
Driver’s Month is coming to the city and North Adelaide this year, to encourage people to drive, park and spend money in the city – despite calls from the Heart Foundation for it to be knocked back.
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Adelaide City Council will host a Driver’s Month this year to encourage people to drive, park and spend money in the city.
The council on Tuesday night supported Cr Jessy Khera’s proposal for the initiative, which he wants rolled out by November to make it easier for motorists moving through the city and North Adelaide.
Under Cr Khera’s idea, there would be prizes worth $100 for people who used the Park Adelaide mobile application and measures to improve ease of access into the city.
The Heart Foundation wrote to the council urging the idea be voted down.
Cr Khera, who called motorists the lifeblood of the city, said Driver’s Month would encourage people to come into the city and support local businesses struggling to beat the economic impacts of COVID-19.
“The idea is an overall package of incentives to make life easier for people who park and drive in the city,” Cr Khera said.
“This does not negate any of the other efforts to encourage people to cycle or use the bus … this is about helping the people who choose to drive by improving congestion and making it easier to park.”
Adelaide Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said the motion was not “anti-cycling” and would welcome people back into the city.
At the meeting, Cr Robert Simms called the idea “loony”.
“The red carpet is being laid out for gas-guzzling vehicles – what a joke,” Cr Simms said.
Cr Helen Donovan said walking and cycling throughout the city had a better economic impact than drivers coming into the city.
Cr Khera’s proposal has not been costed. A staff report into the initiative said the council was already looking into on-street carparking, which included providing incentives for people using the Park Adelaide app.