Where Will it Stop?

On Wednesday 1 April 2009 in the Press (page A2) is a disturbing article beginning "Long-stay parking fees could be increased on Christchurch Streets to get more commuters on buses".

It says "New parking charges could also be introduced in streets aroung suburban shopping centres and on the fringes of the city centre to cut commuter travel and encourage bus travel. The new parking fees proposed on the central business district fringe would target commuteers who evaded long-stay charges by parking outside the central city and walking in. The proposals are included in a draft transport strategy drawn up by the Christchurch City Council."

 It seems that, having approved the three separate plans affecting Merivale against the wishes of many residents and local businesses, the Council may now intend to extend restricted parking in the whole of Christchurch. The three Merivale plans are the Merivale Parking Plan, the South Merivale (Schools) Parking Plan and the Papanui Rd Bus Priority Route Plan.

Where will it stop?

Mike Yardley criticises some of the ideas espoused by the Council and the former Mayor in his column in the Christchurch Press on Saturday 4 April 2009 under the sub headings "Smashing Suburbs" and "Park and Die" (Page D5).