Hills Shire Council defend Sydney Metro northwest on-street parking restrictions

The Hills Shire Council has defended its decision to approve a Sydney Metro Northwest Parking strategy prepared by the State Government — which was “overwhelmingly endorsed following community consultation”.

A commuter struggles to find a parking spot following the installation of new parking restrictions. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Tim Pascoe

• Parking restriction installation around Sydney Metro station streets
• Sydney Metro calls for Hills and Hornsby parking restrictions
• Hills Shire Council support Sydney Metro bid for on-street parking restrictions
• Mulpha Norwest plans on-demand bus services, satellite parking

The Hills Shire Council has defended its decision to approve a Sydney Metro Northwest Parking strategy prepared by the State Government — which was “overwhelmingly endorsed following community consultation”.

Drivers parking on Bellcast Street at Rouse Hill. Picture: AAP IMAGE / Tim Pascoe

Last week, commuters and residents across The Hills were met with parking restrictions in 54 streets surrounding Sydney Metro parking stations, including Castle Hill, Showground, Kellyville, Bella Vista and Rouse Hill.

WHERE YOU CAN NO LONGER PARK

A council spokeswoman said once the parking strategy was approved, “Sydney Metro began the process of signage installation and line marking, from 27 March, 2019 in The Hills Shire”.

“The Sydney North-West Parking Management Strategy considered other parking initiatives, and did not propose the implementation of residential parking schemes based solely on the operation of the Metro,” the spokeswoman said.

“The Hills Shire Council will also keep this under active review, using education in the initial period following opening, and report the outcomes to council.”

General manager Michael Edgar said balancing the needs of commuters, road users and residents was “paramount”.

“This is about trying to address safety and equity on our roads,” he said. “This is a brand new piece of infrastructure in our community, and to ensure we get the best outcomes for everyone, we need to start somewhere.

“We expect that most people living near a train station will enjoy the many benefits that come with having reliable public transport close by.”