People are fuming about the new parking meter systems that have been installed in various areas in Ladysmith.
The tariff for one hour of parking is R6, and users can pay in increments of R2. Payment will be accepted in coins only, but Tap n Go smartcards and credit / debit cards will also be accepted. The meters are now operational.
However, many people are complaining about streets that are “disgustingly dirty” and that roads in town are full of potholes.
“How can they charge for parking meters when our town looks like a township. Not only that, but it is ridiculously expensive,” fumed one motorist. “What is going to happen to the car guards? Are they going to be left with no job just for the sake of these systems?” added the motorist.
A Ladysmith Gazette journalist went out and interviewed a few car guards and was surprised to find that most of them did not even know about the parking meters. “Haibo, I don’t know what that’s for, nobody told me anything,” said a bewildered guard.
Questions are flying regarding these parking meters. No notification was given to the community that the meter systems were going to be implemented and people were shocked when they went to park and were confronted with meters.
Is there a fine to pay if someone doesn’t pay for their parking? What are the municipal bylaws regarding this issue? All these questions remain unanswered.
We are awaiting comment from the municipality.
