Parking issue

IN SEPTEMBER last year I had cause to visit your fair city as an attendee of the Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence.

I managed the week’s attendance on a tight budget but thought I would explore the CBD as this is where a town’s character is most likely to be experienced; its historic buildings, shops along the footpath, its civic architecture.

I had difficulty finding a parking spot when finally a gap appeared in the central row of parking in Margaret St, opposite a pub.

I got out, no quick event for me, being an aged pensioner, wandered down to a coffee shop, had a most enjoyable cuppa, then wandered back to my car soaking up the ambience.

A full 20 minutes. I was amazed to find a parking inspector fining me for being in breach of a 10 minute parking zone.

I had failed to notice a small sign high up on a street light. Where were all the drivers of the other cars?

Why were they not racing hither and thither to beat the 10 minute limit? Barely a soul was to be seen. I discovered these zones are fairly liberally sprinkled throughout the CBD.

I find your council’s policy draconian and most unfriendly to tourists, especially aged souls like myself, who have enough difficulty finding their way about in a strange place, let alone watching out for little signs not clearly displayed.

I paid the council’s fine, but feel compelled to register my disappointment that such a wonderful week at the convergence should have been marred by the added expense of such a petty occurrence down town.

— ROBIN HODGSON, Atherton