Locals furious over three hour parking limit introduced to Broadbeach for Games

A NEW PARKING limit has been introduced to one of the Gold Coast’s most popular business districts, leaving business owners furious and workers in tears.

THREE-HOUR parking limits were introduced in Broadbeach yesterday — and already angry locals are being driven to distraction.

The time limit on residential streets north of Queensland Ave forced people to leave their workplaces at least twice to move their cars in order to avoid a $75 fine.

Among those affected were Penelope Padua from Currumbin and Shaula Mitchell from Labrador.

PARKING AND ROAD CLOSURES FOR THE GAMES

Three-hour parking has been introduced to Broadbeach. Photo by Richard Gosling

“We now have to get to work at 7.30am because we have to start by 8.30, then move the car twice a day. That means no lunch,” Ms Padua said.

“Our workplace is understanding but they are at a loss of what to do. We can’t afford to park in the carparks. Worst of all, now that there is paid parking in place, there’s no one parked in these streets now.

“Someone even suggested to us that it would be easier to park in Miami and walk for 40 minutes to get there.”

PARKING SHORTAGE TO HIT NURSES

Penelope Padua and Shaula Mitchell. Photo by Richard Gosling

“You may as well not come to work,” Ms Mitchell said.

“And when you have a child to take to childcare it’s not like you can ride a bike in.”

Many of the affected streets include those surrounding the Broadbeach Bowls Club, which will be one of the major Games venues.

Metered parking in Broadbeach costs between $2.90 an hour and $3.60.

Cr Paul Taylor. Picture by Scott Fletcher

Area councillor Paul Taylor said paying for parking in central business districts was a consequence of the city’s growth.

“We are a big city now and we need to get the cars moving and turning over,” he said.

“To people who work in the area I would say that Broadbeach has 15,000 carparks between the casino, Pacific Fair, The Oasis, Convention centre and on street.

“I think you’ll just have to pay.”

The move has forced residents to apply to council for parking permits.

David Bennedick from Coffee Club. Photo by Richard Gosling

Parking officers are expected to hand out warnings in coming weeks rather than immediate fines.

However, one prominent business owner says the time limits have already had a chilling effect on trade.

“It has had an impact on customers and workers alike,” Coffee Club owner David Bennedick said.

“We are having staff have to run about and move their cars and it causes an extreme disadvantage to businesses in Broadbeach.”