Residents angle for better parking option at Copa

Central Coast Council is conducting a review of parking conditions opposite local shops in Del Monte Pl at Copacabana, with three suggested options for improvements – but residents have come up with a fourth option they are convinced would be more effective.

When the review commenced in February, Councillor Jared Wright launched a community survey so residents could have their say on the three proposed models.

“In February Council undertook a review into parking measures at Copacabana, following resident feedback that the spaces were too narrow, creating issues around ease of access and visibility for drivers,” he said.

The three proposed models looked at keeping the parking sizes the same, increasing the width by 10cm or increasing width by 20cm.

Locals want another solution

But the survey findings showed that many residents were wanting a fourth option to be considered – for spaces to be placed on a 45 degree angle.

“Council officers are now reviewing options and developing plans which incorporate angled parking and improved pedestrian access,” Wright said.

“Since the safe implementation of angled parking will likely result in a loss of parking and require traffic modifications within Del Monte Pl and the laneway at the rear of the shops, a new plan will be developed to illustrate the implications of angled parking.

“Once this plan is developed, further consultation will be undertaken with the community.

“Anyone who has been to Copacabana Beach on a hot summer’s day knows that it can often be difficult to find a park and it is often even harder to safely back out of a space, given how close the cars park to each other, creating an obstructed view.”

Wright said that of those surveyed, about 30% of respondents wanted Council to look into the prospect of having angled parking.

“Of the three options proposed by Council, 60% of residents wanted to keep the spaces at the standard 2.4m width,” he said.

“I am eager to see the results of the review into angled parking.

“This process has again shown the power and benefit of community consultation to inform decision making.

“Locals use these facilities every day, so their firsthand experience is important.

“Angled parking aside, there is also a clear desire from residents to not lower the number of spaces, with many acknowledging that finding a space under the current settings is already difficult during peak periods.”

A Council spokesperson confirmed that the review is ongoing, with consultations being held with property owners and shop keepers along with the Copacabana Community Group and nearby residents.

“Councillor Wright also undertook a survey and has provided Council staff with the results of that survey,” the spokesperson said.

“All feedback is currently being reviewed by staff, with a draft proposal for enhanced parking arrangements to be presented to the community in coming months.”