‘It got pretty bad’: NoHo traders celebrate change of pace

Two weeks after parking meters in North Hobart were hooded, traders say they’ve noticed a change in foot traffic. LATEST >>

Business owners in North Hobart say after a noticeable downturn in trade, business is back on the rise after the Hobart council hooded parking meters along the popular restaurant strip.

The meters were put in place earlier this year and many business owners have been blaming the machines for a drop in customers visiting their stores.

After the Hobart council CEO investigated the situation in North Hobart and produced a report, she recommended the machines be hooded and a campaign be launched to revitalise the area.

Two weeks on from that decision and co-owner of Winnings Newsagency Lisa Martin says she seeing more faces in store.

“We have noticed a difference, things are definitely looking like they’re slowly returning,” Ms Martin said.

“The atmosphere of the strip is certainly better.”

Ms Martin said things still aren’t quite what they used to be, but she said things are back on track.

“The word meter immediately means payment and it instantly turned people away,” Ms Martin said.

“After speaking to other businesses, the business community definitely feel the meters certainly did impact on our trade and removing them certainly has helped.”

Winnings News and Lotto owner Lisa Martin at North Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Owner of the North Hobart Pharmacy Briddon Hardwick things have gotten better at his store as well.

“Our sales number reflects it’s been a bit better since it’s been hooded,” Mr Hardwick said.

“You can tell by the look of the streets, the parks are always more occupied.

“For a pharmacy, it’s been invaluable having that quick drop off drop in time because half an hour enough time to go to a pharmacy and get looked after.”

Mr Hardwick said the pharmacy had struggled.

“It got pretty bad there for a while,” Mr Hardwick said.

“If you’re driving a car and you see a meter, you might decide to keep going to a shopping centre with free parking.”

Both Mr Hardwick and Lisa Martin say the fight isn’t over yet.

“We’re hopeful council sees having the meters turned off and eventually removed is the best decision for businesses and consumers,” Mr Hardwick said.

“We’ve won the battle but we haven’t won the war, we’re still working on that,” Ms Martin said.

Alderman Marti Zucco who fought for the meters to be suspended said it was a positive step forward.

“We needs as a council to demonstrate to all of our business community that we’re there to support them,” Mr Zucco said.

“It’s not back to normal but it gives an indication the parking meters were detrimental to the business community of North Hobart.”

“It’s not just about North Hobart, it’s about all of our business precincts.”

City of Hobart Councillor Marti Zucco says the parking meters in Salamanca and Hobart need to be reevaluated. Picture: Chris Kidd