Picture courtesy of IOL

In December 2011 people appeared on the streets of Parkhurst painting numbers on the kerbs. It emerged that in 2009 the City (represented by the Head of JMPD) had entered into a contract with Ace Parking Services to provide a parking management system for a number of areas in Johannesburg. The system had already been implemented in the CBD and Braamfontein. Parkhurst was next in line, with implementation due early in January 2012.

Uproar ensued and the community quickly made its voice heard: “Not acceptable!”. Besides the excessively high parking fees (R8 per hour) and other objections, Ace Parking made no provision for loading zones, disabled parking or parking for motorbikes and bicycles.  The terms and conditions stipulated in terms of the Service Level Agreement had not been met. Local business owners believed the system was a threat to the sustainability of their businesses. Residents and businesses signed a petition raising more than 1000 signatures of which 60% where from Parkhurst residents.  SAPS Parkview also expressed concerns about security risks the scheme might pose.  A practical problem with the scheme is that it had been designed for an inner city environment and not residential neighbourhoods.

A meeting of all traders and community representatives was called in January, attended also by City officials. Just three days after it came into effect, the system was suspended pending a community consultation and education process.  Submissions were made to the City from Traders, residents and other interested parties.  Since then affected parties in the community have taken legal advice on the matter.

New parking signs started going up in Parkhurst during the week of 20 February.   Cllr Truluck has reminded the City that the terms of the SLA have still not been met and that the plan to implement the system from 1 March will not be tolerated.  The City finally responded to the submissions made in January, effectively closing all doors to further discussion with the community.

The implementation of a paid parking system will be rolled out in 21 areas across Johannesburg, many of which are areas similar to Parkhurst.  A great deal of support has already been received from neighbouring suburbs and the movement to put an outright end to the system is growing rapidly.

The Parkhurst Village: Residents and Business Association’s public meeting of 1 March 2012 will provide further information on the actions being taken and call on your support. Senior Superintendent Wayne Minnaar has been invited to attend the meeting but has yet to respond.

Watch this space!

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