Perth Voice Interactive

BAYSWATER mayor Sylvan Albert wants the council to buy land and build carparks to relieve parking pressures in Maylands.

He says a series of high-density developments along Railway Parade and Guildford Road will soon heap even more stress on clogged retail hotspots like Eighth Avenue.

“One option would be to buy land and turn it into a carpark,” he says. “It could be more than just a carpark, with council offices and other administrative buildings there, a sort of one-stop shop. Buying land would also be a good investment for the city.”

Cr Albert’s proposal follows businesses and residents contacting him with their concerns.

Cr John Rifici, the former owner of Rifo’s Cafe, says a two-hour limit would be a good compromise.

“I think two hours lets people go for a meal and visit a few shops, but stops commuters parking there for the whole day and jumping on the train to Perth,” he says.

Catherine Ehrhardt, who owns Blackcurrant Clothing and helps run The Maylands Markets, says people need to change their attitude to transport. “You still see four people meeting for coffee on Eighth Avenue and all four of them arriving in separate cars,” she says.

“People need to start using public transport more, but it’s a bit of a Catch 22, because the infrastructure isn’t there yet.

“My preference would be for metered parking with the first hour free.”

A lack of bays at Maylands train station has resulted in commuters parking illegally on verges, median strips and driveways.

It was announced last month the PTA would build an extra 105 bays there.

Maylands Labor MP Lisa Baker welcomes Cr Albert’s idea.

“I would like the city’s strategy to include some of the solutions I’ve raised previously, including marking bays along the railway side of Whatley Crescent, increasing the presence of council rangers, and erecting signs pointing to alternate parking off Whatley Crescent,” she says.

“In order for Maylands to continue to grow and thrive, we need to be supporting our local businesses.”

The long-term parking strategy motion will come before council later this month.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK