Parking crackdown hits businesses
IT IS tough enough doing business these days without potential customers having to risk life and limb pulling in and out of parking along one of Noosa's busiest roads.
But Autopro Noosa on Noosa Eumundi Rd at Noosaville reckons not only has Sunshine Coast Council refused to fix the problem by extending the kerbside guttering to a safer configuration, but its officers have been fining customers who park on the front of the nature strip out of self-preservation.
While Autopro's owner, Keyn Lee, and staff member Liam Kelhear do not want to drive retail trade away, they have decided to go public about the costly problem.
"We're only a small business - it is pretty hard trying to make ends meet," Mr Lee said.
He said last Friday six drivers were fined in a very short time.
"For customers not to be able to park without getting a ticket - as a small business that is disheartening," he said.
Mr Kelhear said council finally agreed to a site inspection after repeated requests and during that time, the officer witnessed two dangerous incidents.
"After pointing out how dangerous and hard the car park is to get into, the member merely shrugged off our request to extend the curbing guttering, as it would mean the whole street would have to be re-engineered and it would be far too much work for such a little business," Mr Kelhear said.
"We offered to do the work ourselves to make it safer for the general public and more accessible and safe for people. But we were informed if we were to do as much as touch the gutter we would be faced with a massive fine and court proceedings.
"We have now witnessed multiple accidents as a result of the curbing guttering."
Mr Kelhear said the guttering did not allow enough distance for people to turn into the driveway and as a result, customers wer forced to brake heavily to make the turn, creating traffic chaos.
"The council is harassing and fining our customers who are forced to park out the front as they cannot get parking in our specified parks," he said.
A council spokesman said parking regulations complemented state laws and addressed safety issues.
The council spokesman said business owners and motorists have been advised that parking on the footpath is illegal. "Appeals to business operators to stop the incidence of illegal parking on the footpath have not been successful.
"Continued instances of vehicles parking across and blocking access along the footpath have resulted in complaints to council. Patrols of the entire Noosaville industrial area have increased, with officers attending the location daily. "
The spokesman said parking fines applied regardless of who owned the vehicle, including council-signed vehicles. Any access issues were matters to be raised with landlords.
