Win for community after dropping ‘clearway’ plan

BUSINESSES have welcomed a council decision not to proceed with a permanent, no stopping zone on Rickard Road between Jacob Street and Sir Joseph Banks Street.
They say the move would have caused huge inconvenience to elderly customers who require the health services in that precinct.
Looking after the community’s most vulnerable for over 20 years, Rickard Road Chemist Peter Loi says this section of road is outside an after-hours medical centre and pharmacy, along with numerous support services such as a hearing clinic, eye specialist, respiratory clinic as well as Headspace.
“Restricting parking outside these essential services would be of extreme detriment to the local community and restrict their access to medical help, which may have cost lives,” he said.
Audika Hearing clinician Tracey Matthews agrees, saying removing parking would have negatively affected a vulnerable demographic, potentially hindering their ability to seek medical attention.
“We are very happy this proposal will now not go ahead,” she said.
Binetter Eye Centre’s Dr Ron Binetter is also relieved.
“Many of our patients are elderly, needing wheelchairs and walkers, where would they have parked,” he said.
“It’s our duty of care to the elderly who’ve paid their taxes and now require assistance to attend these essential services.”
Ed Hanna, managing director of family company JSN Hanna/Grid Corp which owns the 41-45 Rickard Road building, said it was great commonsense prevailed.
“We really felt for these businesses and are pleased with the outcome,” he said.
A council spokesperson said: “Parking officers will continue to patrol the area during the existing No Stopping times of 6.30-9.30am and 2-6pm, to ensure motorists parking illegally are moved on.”