Sydney Buses parking dispute at Military Rd, Mosman

Shoppers — not bus drivers — should have more parking outside the Military Rd shops at Mosman, according to Mosman Council, which will appeal to have a bus zone scrapped.

Traffic on Military Rd, Mosman.

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Shoppers — not bus drivers — should have more parking outside the Military Rd shops at Mosman, according to Mosman Council, which will appeal to have a bus zone scrapped.

After years of debate between businesspeople and Sydney Buses officials, the council is making another attempt to have the bus zone known as the M30 layover scrapped.

Only bus drivers are allowed to park in the zone, from Civic Lane to a pedestrian crossing, between 6am and 10am on weekdays.

This allows drivers a chance to rest between shifts.

Business operators along Military Rd have lobbied against the bus zone.

Peter Kelaher operates PK Property on Military Rd and said the buses block traffic, as well as shops from view.

“It’s not what we pay our levies for,” he said.

PK Property owner Peter Kelaher

A spokeswoman for Roads and Maritime Services confirmed it does not support the removal of the M30 bus layover.

The M30 bus route used to end at Spit Junction, but was recently changed to end at Taronga Zoo.

Council staff have reported that M30 buses no longer use the layover, although Mr Kelaher said other buses do.

The layover was equivalent to eight parking spaces which could be used by shoppers, according to the council staff.

The staff recommended the layover be converted for one hour parking.

Councillors have voted for staff to first assess the impact of the layover on Military Rd shops.

A report will then be presented to the council’s traffic committee in April.

Cr David Cook said he wanted to return the parking space to general traffic.

“Our preferred outcome is it be handed back so retailers can benefit,” he said.

Mosman Chamber of Commerce president Pat Purcell said businesspeople would be delighted to have more parking.

“I can’t imagine anyone would be against it,” she said.

“It’s been a pain in the neck not being able to park in that end of Mosman.”

Government representatives at one stage considered extending the bus parking zone to 24 hours.