Council Releases Parking Survey Results

Data analysed in Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's parking survey shows that more than half of the people surveyed are happy to walk a block or two for a car park.

Council conducted the survey as part of the development of a new Parking Strategy. 486 survey people completed the survey where they were asked a series of questions about their parking experiences within the three main townships in the local government area.

Council's Technical Services Manager, Cliff Toms said, "We are pleased with the response to the survey which is helping us to better understand the community's parking needs and desires."

"While most people surveyed would like additional all day parking close to the CBD, people are receptive to parking on the perimeter of the town centre as an alternative, especially over paying for parking. The survey results also show the primary trip for respondents between ages 15-55 to Port Macquarie & Wauchope is for work, while older ages tend to require parking for shopping and leisure," said Mr Toms

Other key survey responses indicate;

•  98% of respondents rely on a car for transport to town centres
•  10% of responses showed a special need for parking and access
•  General desire to focus on easy and efficient parking linking roads with parking and destinations;
•  There is a strong community consensus to have free parking over user paid parking;
•  Respondents showed a tendency to have more available parking closer to shopping destinations over working destinations;
•  An overall tendency for additional longer stay parking over shorter stay parking, with a strong desire for additional all day parking preferred by people between 15 and 55

"Council will be presenting the survey data as part of a series of community workshops this month. Workshop participants will be encouraged to think about what parking facilities and policies currently operate in the Hastings, what facilities they would like in the future and how we get the changes or improvements that lead to these outcomes," said Mr Toms. 

The first workshop will be run in Laurieton tonight with the remaining dates;

•  Wauchope Senior Citizens Centre 13th October 2010 commencing 7:00pm
•  Port Macquarie Race Course 21st October commencing 1.00pm 
•  Port Macquarie Race Course 21st October commencing 5.30pm 

Registrations will close two days before the meeting date. To register for the workshops visit www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/parkingreview

 Download Online Survey Results (373KB)