TRADERS WELCOME THE MASKED METERS
BUSINESS owners in North Hobart say after a noticeable downturn in trade, business is back on the rise after the Hobart council hooded parking meters along the popular restaurant strip.
The meters were put in place earlier this year and many business owners have been blaming the machines for a drop in customers.
After the Hobart City Council CEO Kelly Grigsby investigated the situation and produced a report, she recommended the machines be hooded and a campaign be launched to revitalise the area.
Two weeks on from that and co-owner of Winnings Newsagency Lisa Martin says she’s seeing more faces in store. “We have noticed a difference, things are definitely looking like they’re slowly returning,” Ms Martin said.
“The atmosphere of the strip is certainly better.”
Ms Martin said things still aren’t quite what they used to be, but are back on track.
“The word meter immediately means payment and it instantly turned people away,” Ms Martin said.
“After speaking to other businesses, the business community definitely feel the meters did impact on our trade and removing them certainly has helped.”
Owner of the North Hobart Pharmacy Briddon Hardwick said things were better at his store as well.
“Our sales number reflects it’s been a bit better since it’s been hooded,” Mr Hardwick said. “You can tell by the look of the streets, the parks are always more occupied.
“For a pharmacy, it’s been invaluable having that quick drop off drop in time because half an hour is enough time to go … and get looked after.”
Mr Hardwick said the pharmacy had struggled.
“It got pretty bad there for a while,” Mr Hardwick said.
Both Mr Hardwick and Lisa Martin say the fight isn’t over.
“We’re hopeful council sees having the meters … removed is the best decision,” Mr Hardwick said.