Changes to residential parking at North Hobart have upset residents

North Hobart residents are sometimes forced to park blocks away from their homes after council recently changed the parking rules. Council has responded to complaints about the changes >>

PARKING changes near the North Hobart retail precinct has angered some residents who say new line markings mean reduced parking availability.

Strahan St resident of 20 years Jillian Mundy said Hobart City Council parking alterations on her street, including the installation of sensors and designated bays, has meant her daily challenge to find an available park had become even tougher.

The Hobart City Council says the recent North Hobart parking changes have received “a generally positive response” from residents and traders.

Jillian Mundy North Hobart resident is unhappy that the Hobart City Council has began painting parking spaces onto Strahan Street reducing the amount of actual spaces available. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Mundy, who does not have off-street parking at her property, said some days she would park blocks from her home.

She said North Hobart’s retail trade increase in recent years, including the growth of a nearby cinema, meant more shoppers and diners were seeking parking on residential North Hobart streets.

“It was once possible to park three cars outside my place easily, now with the installation of parking bays it only allows two parks there,” she said.

“You’d think the council would be looking to increase parking in the area, not minimise it.”

Ms Mundy said the parking changes had been rushed through without adequate community consultation.

A council letter delivered to residents, seen by the Mercury, told of road access restrictions while parking adjustments occurred.

Parking area blocked off ready for line marking. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

HCC general manager Nick Heath said the council resolved to formalise parking in a number of streets after consultation with residents and traders.

“Feedback and complaints had been received around the haphazard and, at times, dangerous parking practices in residential streets around North Hobart,” he said.

“The markings will make it easier to see where cars can be parked safely, without interfering with residential access.”

In South Hobart, feedback from a council survey found most residents were happy with the current parking arrangements but some were experiencing issues finding parking close to home.

It comes as new parking sensors were last week being installed by Clarence City Council at the Bayfield St car park and at a 30 minute zone along Cambridge Rd.

Clarence council said the installation of the sensors was part of a trial of parking technology which would enable council to gather information on use of the parking spaces, while notifying inspectors about cars parked beyond the allowed time limit.

The parking there remains free of charge.

North Hobart Community Association spokeswoman Jenny Smith supported the council’s changes “improving access into the area – including parking provision on the side streets – which we understand is in direct response to business concerns about parking on Elizabeth St.”

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