Parking in the Avenues could get tougher as Council takes up new location

Jennifer and Peter Glausiuss say they are happy with the changes to the parking situation in 4th Ave but have some concerns as more workers will soon be in the area. Photo/ John Borren

Parking bays and time restrictions have eased some 4th Ave residents' frustrations over parking clogging up the Avenues, but some are concerned this may not be enough to cope with the influx of workers moving to the area.

The Tauranga City Council will be relocating hundreds of staff into an office building on the corner of Cameron Rd and 3rd Ave next month due to a $50m redevelopment of the Devonport Rd building.

In May 2017 the Bay of Plenty Times reported that residents Jennifer and Peter Glausiuss were calling for the Tauranga City Council to toughen up parking rules as the parking situation on 4th Ave had become "chaotic".

Since then, the Tauranga City Council had added new parking bays and introduced time restrictions in 4th Ave, which Mrs Glausiuss said had made a positive difference.

However, the couple were concerned the area would not cope with council staff moving to their new location as the existing parks on their street were usually full by 7.30 each morning.

Mr Glausiuss said before the changes, up to seven cars would park on a traffic island situated on 4th Ave, but it had been kept clear over the last few months.

"When people move into that building I bet you it [the traffic island] will be packed again.

"They've got nowhere else to go," he said.

Tauranga City Council transport manager Martin Parkes said after the move was made in February, council staff who drive to work may choose to park on-street in the area along with others who work in the area.

He said main public services and council chambers would remain at Willow St and some council staff would work between the Willow St, Spring St and Cameron Rd offices.

"Staff who drive to work may choose their parking location depending on where they will begin and finish their day."

Parkes said council staff were being encouraged to travel to work by other means rather than private motor car and the council was developing a staff travel plan that provided staff with information about travel choices.

"Approximately 40 per cent of council staff currently travel to work by bus, carpool, walk, or cycling. Those that choose to drive their cars are likely to park either in one of council's off-street carpark facilities (including parking buildings), or on-street where time restrictions do not apply," Parkes said.

He said the impact on the residential streets was likely to be similar to what currently happened as many workers in the area already park in the residential streets, and this was likely to continue.