Gold Coast parking revolution: council starts removing two hour signage from suburban streets

Some of the Gold Coast’s most controversial two hour parking zones are being removed as new signage is rolled out across the city. Find out where the changes are taking place.

Vehicles parked on the side of Olsen Avenue near the Gold Coast University Hospital and Griffith University. Picture: Regi Varghese

SOME of the Gold Coast’s most controversial two hour parking zones created for the 2018 Commonwealth Games are being removed as new signage is rolled out across the city.

Residents back the move but day patients continue to be fined around the Gold Coast University Hospital where council traffic inspectors target nearby suburban streets.

New two hour parking at the Southport Traffic Area.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor on his Facebook page has released new parking maps aware that council staff had begun changing the parking arrangements in his electorate.

“Parkwood and Labrador residents are welcoming council’s two hour parking zones being rolled back,” Mr O’Connor said.

“You’ll start seeing the signage come down soon. New signs will go up on the updated boundaries. This is a big win for residents. Thank you to everyone who raised this issue with me.

“I was proud to take up the fight for you. An even bigger thank you to council for listening to locals and fixing this.”

The new boundaries were gazetted by council on September 30 and the changes will be introduced by November 15.

Bonney MP Sam O'Connor who has lobbied successfully for changes to the council traffic plan in his electorate which covers two hour parking zones.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. (MIN. COST $4)

Mr O’Connor said the new maps showed there would still be a two hour parking zone close to the Gold Coast University Hospital, Griffith University and Parkwood East light rail station.

But some marked parking further from the hospital will be removed and Chirn Park is not in the new zone.

Community engagement undertaken by council showed 81 per cent of residents supported the parking changes in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and 19 per cent were opposed.

In the Southport traffic area, there was 80 per cent support for the changes and 20 per cent opposed.

The majority of residents who posted on Mr O’Connor’s official Facebook page agreed with the changes but were concerned about hospital parking.

Traffic Area Map for two hour parking in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.

MORE NEWS

Parent sentenced for violent rampage at principal’s home

Gym forced into liquidation with $1m debts

Drug dealer’s massive mistake

“I park my car near Parkwood East station while I get treatment at the hospital every four weeks. Got one fine because I was 25 minutes too late. I am too sick to walk home after treatment hence (I drive) the car,” a resident wrote.

A resident who had watched parking officers said “the council know it’s constantly pay day for them there because people have no choice but to park on the streets and walk to work.”

Mr O’Connor told the Bulletin some signage had been removed in Parkwood but a lot still remained at Labrador.

“Hospital parking is expensive but the solution is not for people to clog up local streets,” he said.

“The new zones make sure the two hour stays where it’s needed. I’d encourage people to park for free at Parkwood Station and catch the tram two stops to the hospital, it only costs around $3 for a full fare and half of that for concession.”