Staff targeted in meters bid

By Erin Pearson
Surf Coast councillors should move employee parking out of Torquay rather than introduce parking meters, according to the region’s tourism chief.
Geelong Otway Tourism’s Roger Grant said installing meters was the “easy way out” on parking space shortages around central Torquay.
“I’m always amazed at the number of people that work in shops and restaurants that reduce the capacity for others to park,” Mr Grant said.
“I’d encourage workers to not park and block the places where visitors who will benefit business need to go.”
Surf Coast councillors adopted a Torquay town centre parking and access strategy last week with options for angled, metered and bus parking around The Esplanade.
The strategy included negotiations on widening The Esplanade between Zeally Bay Rd and Gilbert St for angled car parking on the ocean side.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s submission to the strategy argued against paid parking in central Torquay.
The Committee said investigations should instead focus on time restrictions along the north side of Zeally Bay Rd, which was “well-patronised” with the vehicles of workers.
In 2007 the coast committee lost a controversial bid to install parking meters in surf beach car parks.