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4ththJuly July 2014 2017 27 Jan--10 3rdth Feb
FIRST ON THE STREET
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No No 434 607
LAKES WEEKLY BULLETIN
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This is sure to be a winter of discontent, but perhaps it is for the best. Last week, QLDC announced that the plans for $2 bus fares will be going ahead, but there’s no word yet on precisely when. It’s likely to be between October and December, which means we have a busy winter and perhaps spring ahead of us with increased parking restrictions and no effective way to get around. It’s not often I drive into town these days, but when I do, I’m lost. Recently, I had a few meetings in town so drove in early to find a parking spot for the morning. Boundary Street was almost empty, but all the empty parking spots were reserved for camper vans. I did a few traffic-congested loops around the CBD, forgetting that most parks there are now restricted to less than 30 minutes. I ended up in Ballarat Street car park, squeezed between a large ute and a camper van. By this time, I was running late. I paid $6.50 to park for the morning and in my hurry, I failed to notice that the large van was obscuring a ‘car pool only’ sign that would earn me a $40 parking fine. Later, I returned home to find nowhere to park. Increased regulation of parking in my street (read: $60 fines for bay style parking outside of our homes) has marked an end to the innovative parking style we’d adopted in an effort to fit in everybody’s vehicles. I feel for residents in old Frankton, where restrictions were put in place without much consultation. We’re told by the mayor that “there’s no God given right to park outside your own house,” (Southland Times, 25/5/17). Well, we’re not asking God, we’re asking the council and when cars are still the most affordable and convenient way to get around, we’ll all keep using them despite fines and restrictions. But, when it does materialise, the new bus system may be the answer.
Mike Burke and Amber Jamieson at Mike’s retirement party Brazz last Thursday (Photo: Jodi Walters)
The new $2 bus fares are being trialled on a “use it or lose it” premise. With another busy winter season ahead of us, things are going to get messy, but perhaps this winter of discontent will demonstrate how badly we need an effective and affordable bus system. A system that’s better for the environment, has a positive impact on traffic congestion and is easier on the pocket. Seasonal workers won’t need to buy and use cars for their brief residence here and after-work drinks are less likely to lead to drink-driving escapades when the bus fare costs less than half a pint. Yes, those who still need to use their cars will be paying more for parking, but there will be less traffic and more available parking spaces. If time is money, you’ll still be saving something. In a year’s time, I’m sure we’ll wonder how we ever managed to survive this winter. Bethany G. Rogers Geordie Off-Shore
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SAT 15TH JULY AL RENT IES RT ROPE
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LOOK T NE A ONLI .co.nz ac q . w ww
JOHN RAVENS WEATHER Last week John was 100% correct
TUES
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Fine spells with a few showers
Cold but mainly fine.
Fine with light winds
Fine with light winds
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Cloudy with not Cloudy with not much wind much wind
MON
Cloudy. Light Winds