Support for business parking permits

I read with interest the December Newsletter of the Chamber of Commerce wherein a proposal for "Parking permits for Woy Woy" was mooted.

I totally support such a proposal and would be only too happy to pay a reasonable annual fee in order to park within close proximity to my business without the constant concern of being booked.

My only proviso would be that the area be specifically set aside for permit holders only and that any non-permit holder, including holders of RTA disabled parking permits, parking in the area be subject to an instant hefty fine.

I have conducted my tax agency business for the last two years from the Swancott Centre on Railway Street where the adjoining council parking area has restricted parking time limits and I, along with other business people in the centre, am constantly checking to see if my tyres have been marked by the council officer.

A check on any given day would reveal that 40 to 50 percent of the vehicles parked there display the RTA disabled permit and these vehicles are usually there all day without any concern to their drivers.

This also restricts parking for clients.

I am not suggesting the parking area adjoining the Swancott Centre be set aside for permit holders but perhaps a specifically designated area in the Deepwater multi-storey car park.

Such a parking scheme would only be a success if it is to be totally restricted to genuine permit-holding business persons. Provided the area was properly policed I could envisage it being a good revenue-raiser in permit fees and, initially, in fines.

I would not be happy to pay a fee if I were to find non-permit holders being able to use the area without penalty.

Bill Lough, Woy Woy