THE head of Shepparton’s peak business group is urging business owners and employees to be mindful of where they park in the Shepparton CBD, so as not to take up spots which could be used by customers.
John Anderson, president of the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who lobbied for the two months of free, timed parking in the city, said where possible, parking spots should be kept free for customers.
“With the free, timed parking now in the city, we’re seeing some business owners and employees parking in the middle of town and moving their cars every two hours or so,” he said.
“It would be better for business if employees parked on the outskirts of the CBD and walked into town.”
The Greater Shepparton City Council introduced two months of free parking, which started on December 1 and will run through to January 31.
Charging shoppers to pay for parking is seen by many as a disincentive to shopping in the CBD.
Mr Anderson said while an employee in the city may take up a parking spot all day, that same spot could have had a dozen or more shoppers rotate through it.
“Where possible, we need to keep the parking free for shoppers,” Mr Anderson said.
“Park a bit further away and get your steps up walking in to work.”
Mr Anderson also flagged the Chamber was in discussion with Council regarding a “plan in the works” for parking in the city beyond January, but couldn’t provide any further details at this stage.
