FRUSTRATIONS and concerns have been raised by a number of business owners and store managers about the use of valuable on and off-street car parks normally reserved for shoppers being utilised by traders and employees.
Complaints have been received from concerned traders in the Shepparton CBD about business owners and employees utilising on and off-street car parks.
The Shepparton Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in conjunction with Greater Shepparton City Council have been working hard to help bring life back into the city by improving parking in the CBD, however overstaying in customer car parks has a negative effect and is likely to attract a fine.
Speaking in support of improved parking for shoppers, Chamber President John Anderson said it was disappointing to hear that some business owners and staff had been taking up valuable car spots that should be prioritised for customers.
“COVID has had a significant impact on business in Greater Shepparton, but it is important that we abide by the parking rules, particularly as the all-important Christmas trading period commences,” John said.
The question was asked, “do we have to get to the point where people will need to be reported to Council officers to stop this behaviour?” John Anderson said.
“Car parks equate to shoppers and therefore business viability,” John said.
Council launched complimentary car parking in all on-street car parks from 1st November, adding to the already existing free off-street car parking in Council owned car parks. Time limits still apply and infringements will be issued for vehicles found exceeding the time limits. This is a very positive joint initiative to encourage more shopping in the municipality, it’s a great outcome, but it is not for business-owners and their employees to park out the front of their own shops, these spaces are for their customers.
The complimentary timed parking initiative for on-street car parking is being held over four months ending on 28th February, 2022 and is available at:
Maude/Nixon & Edward Streets Carpark 68 spaces including 2 disabled.
3 hours free (timed).
Fryers/Edward Streets Carpark 39 spaces including 1 disabled. 2 Hours free (timed).
Fryers Street Carpark
34 spaces.
2 Hours free (timed).
Stewart Street Carpark
25 spaces including 2 disabled. 3 Hours free (timed).
High Street Carpark
124 spaces including 5 disabled. 3 Hours free (timed).
Welsford Street/Wyndham Mall Carpark 26 spaces including 5 disabled
2 Hours free (timed).
Opposite part Council part privately owned Welsford Street Carpark
85 spaces including 4 disabled.
2 Hours free (timed).
Fraser Street/West Walk Carpark
27 spaces including 2 disabled. 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) stations. 2 Hours free (timed).
Goyen Reserve
26 new spaces provided.
