Lack of car parks in Central Maitland angers workers

Workers and shoppers struggle to find car parks in Central Maitland.

PARKED IN: Susan Hegarty (left) and Cherie Thompson say Maitland's parking situation is out of control. Picture: Jonathan Carroll.

Maitland's car parking crisis appears to have reached breaking point with residents, workers and shoppers struggling to find positions in the city centre.

Construction work at Stockland Green Hills, the development of more inner-city affordable living and a growing cafe culture are all contributing to the city's car park shortage.

Cherie Thompson and colleague Susan Hegarty, who both work at a St Andrew's Street marketing business, said unless they arrived at least 45 minutes before their shifts they had little chance of finding a park.

Their employer has one business-assigned car park clearly market "reserved". This is used by Ms Hegarty, who is waiting for a hip replacement and walks with the aid of a stick.

"That park is taken at least one day a week, usually by someone who parks there all day," she said.

Council is in discussions with private off-street parking owners about exploring potential enforcement arrangements between parties. - Council's Development and Environment Manager David Simm.

Ms Thompson said the area needed to be policed regularly and called on Maitland City Council to provide more all-day parking for workers.

"Council is encouraging more people into the city to live yet not taking into consideration the parking. What's going to happen when Aldi opens? The Kmart car park is already full early in the morning," she said.

Council's Development and Environment Manager David Simm said council rangers undertake parking control throughout Maitland as part of their general duties.

"Council is in discussions with private off-street parking owners about exploring potential enforcement arrangements between parties," he said.

Mr Simm said there were 500 on-street and over 3000 off-street parks within 500 metres of The Levee.

"In addition, short-stay parking spaces have been introduced in the shared zone," he said.

"We also have a video that provides a snapshot of some of the parking options around Central Maitland," Mr Simm said.
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