Argument over Noosa Council's decision to change the parking configuration in Cooroy continues after car accident

Rear in or nose in? That is the question in the main street of a Coast town where residents have gone cold on a parking change.

New nose in parking regulations have angered some Cooroy residents who believe the changes have reduced driver safety.

A car crash has reignited friction between Cooroy residents and Noosa Council over changes to the parking layout in the town's centre.

The change from rear in to nose in parking along Maple Street was made late last year when road resealing and pavement work was carried out.

A crash that happened on Saturday has sparked calls for the change to be abandoned.

Witnesses said a vehicle was attempting to reverse out of the parking space before a passing van hit the rear of the car, causing it to roll onto the footpath and through a shop window.

Bloomhill op shop manager Kelly Marsh, 46, said the parking changes didn't make sense.

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Her workplace is on the main street where the crash happened.

"This is the hub of the business centre and you need to be able to access safe parking for shop goers and delivery vehicles," she said.

"It makes it difficult, dangerous and frustrating for a lot of workers and residents each time they come into town.

Mrs Marsh said it was particularly unsafe for delivery drivers.

She said she was unaware the changes were coming until they were put in place.

"I don't think any of the shops were notified of the change and I only found out after our delivery boys from Bloomhill were approached by the council with their ticket book to explain the change," she said.

A shop window in Cooroy has been boarded up after being smashed when a car and van crashed at the weekend.

Mrs Marsh said the town's population was dominated by elderly residents and needed to best cater for them.

"We are a main street and an area where a lot of elderly people visit," Mrs Marsh said.

"These changes mean more incidents like the ones we've seen already could easily happen again."

Noosa Council acting infrastructure services director Bryan O'Connor said the changes were in the best interest of the community.

"The changes, which were made as part of planned resurfacing works, brought the street's parking arrangements into line with current Austroads and Australian standards," he said.

"Nose-in parking helps reduce congestion resulting from motorists waiting for other drivers to complete more difficult reverse parking manoeuvres.

Mr O'Connor said nose in parking also alleviated issues with large tow bars and ute trays overhanging footpaths.

He said it also reduced exhaust emissions onto footpaths and outdoor cafe and dining areas.

"The changes also enabled us to provide new disabled parking and motorcycle parking bays on Maple Street," he said.

Mr O'Connor said the community had supported the change and feedback had been largely positive.

Originally published as Argument over Noosa Council's decision to change the parking configuration in Cooroy continues after car accident