Garden Street parking restrictions canned

A Northern Beaches Council proposal to restrict parking times along Garden Street North Narrabeen has been stopped in its tracks following backlash by galvanised locals.

At the end of August, Council alerted local business owners and residents of plans to change unrestricted parking along the western side of Garden Street to 1P 6am–8pm every day and 4P 6am – 8pm Monday – Friday timed parking.

This was met with public outcry by the local businesses that line the stretch of road - the majority of which are car repair shops.

Clint Welsh, director of Chubby Welsh Autos, tells Peninsula Living he is concerned his and other businesses would be adversely impacted should they be unable to park serviced cars on the street throughout the day.

“With society today living busier lives, a lot of people like dropping their car off before they go to work and picking it up after work,” he explains.

“If businesses can’t park a car out on the street with fear the customer will get a fine, then they will have to keep it in their driveway. This means they will have less cars they can do in a day, resulting in downsizing and the loss of jobs.”

Mr Welsh adds he harbours concerns for the safety and convenience of staff and customers of the streets few cafés, who may have to navigate crossing the busy street.

After several submissions to Council by locals and business operators voicing these issues and an online petition that garnered around 400 submissions, Northern Beaches Council revealed to Peninsula Living it will reconsider its plans.

“Based on those submissions and suggestions contained within, Council is looking at alternative solutions to reduce the impact on the local businesses,” Council explains in a statement.

“This updated proposal will be sent out to the local businesses shortly.

“Thank those who made the time to make submissions to us and give alternate views for consideration.”