Drumcondra residents up in arms over parking problems

Residents of a Geelong waterfront suburb say their streets are being filled with the cars of tradies, creating safety issues.

Residents of three Drumcondra streets have been pleading for council to address parking congestion problems. Picture: Alison Wynd

Frustrated Drumcondra residents have slammed Geelong council for not doing enough to prevent their streets from being “turned into a parking lot”.

The commencement of construction at two nearby building sites means that Kooyong Rd, Mont Albert Rd, and Vincent Ave are being used to park heavy vehicles.

Residents said they are grappling with a number of issues and are worried for their safety, with local Edwina Hall declaring it an “accident waiting to happen”.

“A van nearly hit me when I was backing out of the driveway … there’s so much congestion you cannot enter or exit your property safely,” she said.

“Trucks, vans, and utes are using our street but you cannot see them.”

Trucks parked in Kooyong Rd are blocking driveways and decreasing visibility dramatically. Picture: Edwina Hall.

Ms Hall said it was especially difficult for children and elderly people to cross the street because of poor visibility.

“It’s really detrimental to the neighbourhood,” she said.

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was now uncomfortable with letting her young children play outside.

“I don’t like them riding bikes up the street anymore because you can’t see with these massive tradie utes everywhere,” she said.

During the day, Ms Hall said all vehicles parked in the street do not belong to tenants.

“They are all workers’ from elsewhere … I can guarantee it,” she said.

The influx of tradies is the result of work beginning on two multistorey apartment blocks on nearby York St.

Renders of a York St apartment building that is under construction. Picture: Supplied.

There have been measures implemented by council, which was first contacted about the issue in November, to prevent nonresidents from parking.

They include the introduction of “hockey stick” markings on the pavement and regular patrols by parking inspectors.

However, Ms Hall said the problem remained.

“Their response has been lacking … (previous efforts) don’t work.”

“It’s impacting our way of life … we can’t have guests or deliveries because there is nowhere to park.”

Geelong council was contacted for comment.

Residents like Ms Hall believe the introduction of a permit system would fix the issue.

“The street that isn’t affected is McMillan Ave … when there are signs up, it means the issue will not occur,” she said.

Originally published as Drumcondra residents up in arms over parking problems