Smart parking practices encouraged in Christmas shopping period

Motorists who park in the Narrabri central business district are being encouraged to adopt smart parking practices to ensure local businesses can reap the rewards of the Christmas shopping period.

Narrabri Shire Council has encouraged people – business owners, staff and residents – to follow timed parking restrictions and support the local economy during the festive season.

This Christmas shopping period is a crucial time for local businesses, with a council parking campaign launched to coincide with Christmas.

In a statement, council said it regularly receives complaints from residents and visitors regarding business owners and employees parking in two-hour limited CBD parking spaces, causing inconvenience for shoppers and visitors.

“As we celebrate the Christmas season, it’s crucial that we work together to enhance the experience for everyone in Narrabri’s CBD,” mayor Darrell Tiemens said. “The parking campaign is not just about compliance. It’s a collective effort to support our local businesses, promote accessibility, and ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all.

“Let’s make Narrabri’s CBD a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike this Christmas.”

Two-hour parking limits are in place along Maitland Street, between Lloyd and Bowen Streets, as well as parts of Doyle, Dewhurst and Tibbereena Streets in the town centre.

The Christmas parking campaign has been welcomed by local businessowners.

“People should follow the timed parking at all times of the year, not just around Christmas,” one Maitland Street businessowner told The Courier. “It’s also important to make sure our elderly are able to park close to businesses.”

The businessowner said additional parking solutions were needed at times, as some businessowners and staff had to park well away from the CBD in some instances.

Another businessowner expressed similar sentiments.

“It’s a great idea,” they said of the campaign. “We need to do whatever possible to encourage people shop at our local businesses all year.”

As part of the campaign, council will distribute a new parking brochure and map. It is a comprehensive guide highlighting all-day and two-hour parking areas, emphasising the benefits of better parking. Council will also engage the community through various social media platforms to disseminate information on parking regulations and the importance of compliance.

Regular operations will be conducted to ensure adherence to parking regulations in Narrabri CBD.

In its information, council detailed the benefits of parking compliance.

Supporting local businesses: Increasing turnover of parking spaces for potential customers, especially crucial during the warmer months.

Consideration for vulnerable populations: Being mindful of elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and guardians with young children, facilitating a more enjoyable experience in the CBD.

Enhanced safety: Increasing pedestrian and passenger safety in the CBD by ensuring proper parking practices.