More problems than solutions

With the focus on Emmarentia and Greenside, the aim of the meeting was to determine the number parking bays that are available and that are needed.

In addition the study determined how many, loading bays, bicycle and motorcycle bays and pedestrian crossings there are and what the supply and demand is in these small Central Business Districts. The study was conducted by Aganang Consulting Engineers.

From the study it was clear that there is not enough parking available in Greenside, however in Emmarentia it revealed there is sufficient parking for the four blocks described as a small CBD.
Aganang’s Kerneels Lion-Cachet said, “The study is aimed at giving insight to the problem and from that determining which measures can be put in place to control all modes of transport such as cycling, walking, private vehicles and public transport. As well as, what measures can be implemented to improve urban functionality, pedestrian accessibility and vehicle mobility.”

One of the solutions tabled was the City’s model of complete streets incorporating pedestrianised streets, parking management, feeder services like park and rides, traffic calming measures, and enforcing business and zoning rights. The problems identified in Greenside especially were illegal businesses, lack of by-law enforcement and town planning issues.

Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe said, “Previously no proper surveys by the Transport Department were conducted. Now the surveys are being done and the results of which are being communicated to the suburbs in a series of public meetings. The new MMC for Transport, Christine Walters, is in charge of this process. My interactions with her and her department have been very constructive. We have managed to not only determine where paid parking would be inappropriate, but we have also addressed many underlying issues creating parking problems and congestion. I am confident that Walters will be able to assist s with solutions.

“However I am concerned that the Metro Police unfortunately still remain the custodian of the parking contracts. Ironically, it is the non-performance of the Metro Police in our business nodes that has led to many of our problems in the first place, together with a lack of enforcement by another departments.”

Residents in attendance expressed their concerns that the studies were conducted during the day as most of the traffic moves through the suburbs at night due to the nightlife business market in the areas.
The meeting was not well attended and with the lack of any representatives from Craig Hall Park the study concerning this area was not discussed.