Opinion: Tauranga parking problems driving away customers

The lack of convenient parking is driving people from the Tauranga CBD. Photo/file

Parking problems are driving away customers from the Tauranga CBD.

Last week, Tauranga Mainstreet chairman Brian Berry said increasing difficulty accessing the CBD was restricting retailers' ability to attract customers and make sales.

"People are giving up and going elsewhere," he said.

He's right. I'm one of them.

A few weeks ago, I was in need of some shoe protectant spray and wanted to quickly nip into a shop on Devonport Rd before work.

I had 15 minutes before I started my shift so went to the CBD.

There wasn't park to be seen on Devonport Rd, so I checked the outdoor parking lot behind the shops - nothing there either.

Elizabeth St - nothing. Grey St - not a single park. I gave up and went to work.

If I was planning on visiting a few shops or if I wasn't on a quick chore, the parking building would have been an option, but who has the patience to drive up a few storeys to find a park then hike a few streets over to buy one cheap item?

A few days after that, my husband and I wanted to go out for breakfast at one of our favourite central city cafes. We circuited the streets three times, got frustrated and left.

The loss of my custom in either of these instances wouldn't have exactly had much of an impact on retailers' wallets - two meals and one can of spray.

But it has changed how I view the CBD. I am far more reluctant now to try my luck at finding a park next time I go shopping.

In previous years, I have done all my Christmas shopping in the CBD.

This year, I might have to try one of the shopping centres.

At least they have plenty of parks near the shops.