By MELISSA MEEHAN
CUSTOMERS, commuters and traders are fighting for parking spaces in Upwey as the area struggles to accommodate the growing number of cars in the area.
Upwey Community Bank chairman Peter Marke said parking behind the main street shops had been a problem for a number of years – but traders and shoppers were getting increasingly frustrated about the lack of long-term car parking available – blaming train commuters for taking the majority of spaces.
“It’s so unfair for young staff who are going to work and getting booked for parking in short-term spaces because there is no long-term parking available,” Mr Marke said.
“It could affect the commercial viability of the town if something isn’t done.”
Mr Marke said he and some other members of the community had met with the council to discuss other options to solve the parking problem in town.
“It’s not just staff at the bank, we’ve had staff booked from the chemist, the supermarket and other businesses too,” he said.
“The meeting went as well as could be expected and we’re interested to see what the outcomes will be.”
Yarra Ranges Council director of Environment and Engineering, Mark Varmalis said the council was working with traders to improve parking in Upwey by balancing the needs of commuters, customers and traders.
He said a number of options were being considered, including encouraging the use of unrestricted parking spaces available along the Burwood Highway.
“The council is working on cost estimates to seek funding for constructing extra parking in the town centre,” he said.
“While this information will be considered through the council’s budget process, there is no guarantee of council funding for those works relating to council land.”
He said, subject to planning requirements, private shopkeepers could consider funding the construction of additional parking spaces on their own property.
Do you think there needs to be more parking spaces in Upwey? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the issue. Email editor@yvnews.com.au
