San Remo businesses outraged over new parking restrictions

Businesses in San Remo say new parking restrictions will have devastating consequences on what should be their busiest time of year.

Bass Coast business owners say new parking restrictions will put unnecessary stress on their trade during peak season.

Council introduced two-hour metered parking along Marine Parade to reduce traffic problems.

Before the restrictions, the parking was unlimited and allowed traders, staff and customers all-day access.

Wash Shop Laundromat owner and San Remo Trader’s association treasurer, Floss Gorsuch, said her business was among the 10 most affected.

“There were no traffic issues before but now all council has done is clog up Edgar Road, Wynne Road and Back Beach Road, ” Ms Gorsuch said.

Marine Parade workers have been told to park on “private property, in unrestricted parking areas, or ensure they move their vehicles within the required time frames” and have been refused trader parking permits.

“None of us have rear-end parking so we don't have anywhere to park,” Ms Gorsuch said.

“Council is expecting us to lay down and let it go away and that makes me want to fight for it more.”

Council said the review came after community consultation, but Ms Gorsuch said council had only dropped a letter at front doors.

“It was a letter underneath our door ... saying these are the changes that’s going to happen, then four days later the signs went up,” Ms Gorsuch said.

The problem extends beyond staff and customers of the Marine Parade strip as now people catching the V-Line bus will have to park 800m from the bus stop, business owners say.

“The elderly can’t do that,” said Ms Gorsuch.

“I know people who have to go into Frankston hospital to get their cancer treatment, what are they going to do?”

Beaumont Building Design senior designer, Mark Burnham, said parking in unrestricted zones meant staff were taking parks that should be for customers.

“Instead of parking in front of all the shops, we now have to go and upset other people,” he said.

“It’s a pain when there’s a lot of cars on the street and you have to go and look for a park.

“It will definitely take its toll on productivity.”

Other business including Bendigo Bank and Fishermen’s Co-Op have expressed their frustration with the new policy.

Some customers from the hair salon have been seen running out with “foils in their hair” to move their vehicle.

Council was contacted for comment.