Proposal to scrap time limits on North Adelaide car parks to help nurses

For months, nurses at North Adelaide hospitals have feared walking long distances to their cars at night after the city council put time limits on nearby parks. That may be about to change.

• ACC declines two councillors push for North Adelaide parking review
• Get the most out of your Advertiser subscription

About 360 parking spaces in North Adelaide would revert to having no time limits, under a proposal to allow hospital staff to park closer to work.

Adelaide City Council held a workshop last night to discuss ways to ease parking tension around three North Adelaide hospitals.

Nurses have been battling to find a park since June, when a council trial converted hundreds of 10-hour and unrestricted spaces into three and four-hour zones.

The trial aimed to free up spaces for residents and visitors.

It sparked a backlash from nurses, who raised safety concerns about having to walk longer distances to their cars at night.

Council staff have now suggested lifting some of the restrictions.

The compromise is expected to be formally put to the council in the coming weeks.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor told The City the trial had brought “unintended consequences” and the council was committed to addressing them.

“We have listened to community concerns, particularly in relation to schools and hospitals, and it’s appropriate that we review these measures implemented as part of the trial,” Ms Verschoor said.

MORE NEWS

Adelaide’s best gyms voted by you

Northern Council eyes off its neighbours

Anger after council votes down historic trees

Calvary Hospital has started giving out personal safety alarms to staff who need to walk to their cars at night.

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital has also had to call police to help manage traffic chaos caused by staff and patients struggling to find a park.

A Facebook page, Car Parking Crisis North Adelaide, has attracted support from 722 people who want the trial overturned to protect hospital workers.

North Adelaide nurse Libby, who did not want to disclose her surname, said changes had to be made.

“Ideally, reversing parking changes would gain equal benefit for all hospitals and shift workers,” she said.

WCH corporate services executive director Phil Robinson wanted the trial reversed, or for the council to look at other ways to support workers.

“It has put nurses in great peril … the afternoon is when the problem arises because they come in at 1pm and cannot find parks,” Mr Robinson said.

“They have to leave their patients to move their cars around.”