Can Newcastillians expect boom gates to placed in parking squares throughout town? This can’t be happening, can it?
Two boom gates are currently being erected at the parking square adjacent to Voortrekker Road and the parking square on Murchison Street.
Why are boom gates being erected in town?
Dr Dumisani Thabethe, head of communications at Newcastle Municipality, explains Traffic Management Systems (TMS) was awarded the parking management tender for the entire CBD of Newcastle. This included all the on-street (kerbside) and off-streets (squares).
“The two off-street sites are currently the busiest sites with high occupancy rates, and they are the first of all the squares to have boom gates,” says Dr Thabethe.
The current two parking lots are part of phase one of the project and are operating concurrently with the on-street parking areas. Effectively, as the project is being rolled out, all the parking lots will have boom gates.
When was it decided to erect the boom gates?
After the EXCO meeting held before the launch of the project, Dr Thabethe explains EXCO had resolved TMS needs and should communicate with the Municipality about any developments and roll-out plans before the implementation of the same.
“These developments should and will be communicated on an on-going basis and the public awareness thereof. The erection of these boom gates was done after the said consultation was done and advise obtained to inform the public of the plans to erect the boom gates.”
While the boom gates are not yet operational, Dr Thabethe explains they will be operational after an article has been published, informing the public of the erection, operational and commencement date thereof.
How will the boom gates affect Newcastle?
The operation of these boom gates will apparently serve as security measures for motorists who will enter a managed off-street area. Upon exiting, a motorist needs to produce a paid receipt at the exit points. If a motorist has or claims to have lost a ticket, a fee is requested from them.
The boom gates will also serve as a deterrent against theft of vehicles, in that, a thief will have to produce a parking receipt before exiting the square or parking lot.
Motorists who are long-parkers will be allocated dedicated parking lots where they can safely and comfortably park their vehicles for long periods of time. These motorists will be issued with special identifications and permits to these sites.
With boom gates coming to parking squares in town, what are your views on the matter? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
2 Responses
Could attract smash and grabbers, high jackers..
Hopefully this only has a positive impact such as improved availability of parking, if the rates are fair.
I think this is such a waste of money. They can not even pay Eskom or keep up the maintenance of the town but they are quick to waste money on things like this that are such a waste. The business are going to loose alot of business and then what are they going to do? This town is going down at a rapid rate. Need people who actually know what they are doing to run this town.