General News
22 September, 2023
Meter shower - Parking grievances to bombard council
A grassroots petition against Horsham's controverisal parking meter system launched by a disgruntled resident has attracted more than 1000 signatures. The organiser is now urging petitioners to protest the new meters by packing the public gallery at...
A grassroots petition against Horsham's controverisal parking meter system launched by a disgruntled resident has attracted more than 1000 signatures.
The organiser is now urging petitioners to protest the new meters by packing the public gallery at Horsham Rural City Council's meeting on Monday.
Kath Dumesny's "low-key" online and paper petition attracted 1132 signatures and calls for the removal of Horsham's parking meters.
Mrs Dumesny was prompted to start the petition after she parked outside a shop in town only to find the parking meter was too far away for her to comfortably walk there and back.
She said she was forced to park without paying, but was fearful of being fined.
Mrs Dumesny said the petition response was outstanding considering people had to make an effort to find it online, and because hard copies were distributed by hand to just a few businesses and retailers.
"The council's own engagement policy states it will consider the needs and interests of all people in decision-making processes and actively listen to their ideas before making final decisions,” she said.
"Every person who signed that petition deserves to be taken seriously."
In a covering letter accompanying the petition, Mrs Dumesny said that if removal of the parking meters was not possible, they should be permanently put out of use.
"We want parking meter fees set aside to make parking in the municipality more user-friendly for locals and visitors alike," she said.
She pointed out that while Horsham was a regional city, it was the smallest in the state, and unlike the bigger centres which attracted far more traffic.
"Anxiety levels have risen because of these meters."
She said they had changed traffic flow, off-street parking was more difficult to access and, as a result, residents were less likely to spend time and money in Horsham's main shopping centre.
"Another significant issue to be considered is one of disadvantage," she said.
"Our disabled elderly, frail and limited-ability residents and visitors are left behind.
"People in these special categories should have equitable access to use.
"With so many people taking the time to contribute unsolicited support in favour of the removal of parking meters, the voice of these people needs to be meaningfully heard and included," she said.
"I would expect that each one of those 1132 people's views will form part of the current parking review."
The council will meet in Horsham Civic Centre at 5.30pm on Monday.
Mr Dumesny's petition will be tabled at the meeting.
Council will also present results from an online council-initiated survey and is expected to announce some change to the parking meter system in the wake of adverse public reaction.