Central Tauranga workers also expressed their concerns at plans to extend paid parking to the CBD fringe areas.
“This has been raised with staff by residents, workers, and businesses in both parts of the city. These concerns have often been compounded by a lack of other available parking, roadworks occurring in the local area, or a lack of safe and viable alternatives to travel by car.”
Tolley said a pause and reset was necessary and a report on recommended future actions would be presented to the council in March 2024.
“This additional time will allow for a more holistic examination of how parking initiatives may be compounding issues and causing concern in the community. It also allows time to prepare and adjust to changes in a more measured manner.”
As well as deferring the parking project implementation, the council has pushed back the roll-out of time-limited clearway bus lanes on Cameron Rd, scheduled to start in January.
Tolley said Cameron Rd Stage One, due to be completed by the end of this year, had caused significant disruption to businesses and the community, with congestion and parking in and around Cameron Rd a key concern.
“We are acutely aware of the issues facing many Cameron Rd businesses because of the major road, water, and wastewater improvements under way.
“In order to provide some relief, the introduction of the clearway lanes will be deferred and we will be working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to ensure that when we are ready to do this, it’s beneficial to both bus users and motorists who travel along Cameron Rd.”
