NEWS
Parking trial big success Chamber survey shows
COMPLIMENTARY PARKING - Positve effect on Business
Key statistics from the survey are: COMPLIMENTARY PARKING - Positve effect on Business
A COM PR EH ENSI V E parking survey conducted following the two month complimentary parking trial in Shepparton during December and January has been an overwhelming success according to the Shepparton
YES NO
92.8%
UNSURE YES NO
It has brought many people back to the CBD John Anderson Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Chamber president, John Anderson, said the survey showed both shoppers and businesses received relief for not having to pay for car parking. “It was a reprieve for 1000s of shoppers and not just for financial reasons, but also taking the stress out of shopping. The Chamber feels it has had a very positive effect on shopping in Shepparton.” It has brought many people back to the CBD,” John said. The independently conducted survey which was carried out in December and January included 167 businesses and 200 shoppers. “During the trial, there was very strong anecdotal evidence it was successful, however the Chamber wanted actual evidence of the trial’s success or otherwise, John said. The parking trial was an initiative of the Chamber in conjunction with Council. The survey results have been provided to Council for their appraisal.
92.8%
UNSURE
CHANGE TO BUSINESS - Trial vs same time last year?
CHANGE TO BUSINESS - Trial vs same time last year?
23.4%
UP
23.4%
DOWN
76%
UNSURE UP DOWN
76%
UNSURE
Support further PARKING initiative?
YES NO
98.2%
Chamber parking survey results OVER the past two months while the complimentary parking has been in place, the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry has engaged consultants to undertake an independent survey with traders and shoppers alike. The overall summary of the survey was that traders and shoppers alike were in favour of the free parking while noting that no negative comments had been received. Traders noted a significant rise in shoppers in the precinct and were clearly happier than when a similar survey had been conducted last July. There was also a general sense that trade was up. Shoppers conveyed that they were less inclined to go destination shopping only and were more inclined to browse other shops while there or stop to have lunch or coffee. Others indicated that they came into the centre more often. Other feedback from both traders and shoppers was that there were insufficient parking spaces for disabled shoppers as well as safe, secure and convenient parking for staff working in the precinct. There was also widespread agreement from both traders and shoppers on parking time limits although some concern that free parking would have some impact on council revenue raising. The one negative response concerned the aggressive nature of the parking inspectors with instances of fines being imposed for being a couple of minutes late or walking to meters to get a ticket. The survey conducted by the Greater Shepparton City Council over the same period is still being evaluated and once done, will be presented to council for deliberation.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1495 Wednesday, February 12, 2020 – Page 7