‘Occupy parking bays’ issue at City Square frustrates many
KUCHING: The longstanding ‘occupy parking bays’ issue at City Square in Pending is frustrating premises owners and the community alike.
One of the lanes within the commercial centre is constantly being occupied by long, heavy vehicles, which take up several parking bays.
It is learnt that a heavy vehicle alone, believed to be for industrial use, occupies five to six bays, not to mention a forklift parked right behind it.
The two forks ( cantilevered arms) that stretch out of the bay line are said to be exposing other road users to certain level of danger.
It is understood that those heavy vehicles belong to an automobile service operator in the area.
The developer of City Square and several premises owners have brought up this ‘ occupy parking bays’ problem to the operator concerned a few times already.
Not only did they complain to the operator, they also put up notices to remind the operator of the need to give their full cooperation. Despite such efforts, nothing seems to work.
The heavy vehicles are reported to be an eyesore in City Square not just because of the unscrupulous parking but also due to the leaking engine oil that makes the place filthy.
A five-foot way is also blocked by heavy vehicles parked along the bays nearby, leaving the corner dark with poor vision.
People are more concerned about this blind spot, which may bring about inconvenience to other road users.
Moreover, premises owners worry that some people might capitalise on the ( dark) area to carry out illegal activities.
The tenants, whose outlets are located at the same row as the automobile service operator, have decided to stop doing business there and moved to other commercial centres.
It is unfortunate that even those who have shown interest in starting a business in the area ( City Square) have shied away from the idea.
The developer of City Square, which was built in 2009, has discussed with the premises owners to work together in improving the landscape.
The majority of the premises owners have pledged to collaborate with the developer on the landscaping issue in the hope of seeing business growth.
It is hoped that everyone including the premises owners will stop occupying parking bays and play a role to keep the environment at City Square neat and clean.