Johannesburg to continue Kerbside Paid Parking Scheme

The City of Johannesburg’s controversial Kerbside Paid Parking Scheme will continue throughout the city, according to Johannesburg Metro Police Spokesman, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

The scheme, currently operating in the Central Business District, Braamfontein and Parkhurst has been criticised by motorists, residents and traders who are reluctant to fork out R8.50 per hour to park along some streets in these areas.

Despite this, Minnaar said that the scheme, in its current form, “will be rolled out to business areas where there is traffic congestion”. He added that Metro Police Officers will issue fines to motorists that do not pay for Kerbside Parking.

One size doesn't fit all: DA

In its current form, Parkhurst Ward Councillor, Tim Truluck of the Democratic Alliance (DA), says that to park in designated kerbside parking bays, motorists are asked to pay parking attendants in advance and then display their receipts on their windscreens.

Truluck said that the kerbside parking system has failed in Parkhurst since it was introduced last year because it is not addressing residents’ needs.

“It works quite well in Braamfontein and in the city but in suburban areas like Parkhurst, where we have lots of pop-ins, it falls away,” he said, explaining that motorists’ reluctance to park along the fashionable 4 avenue, a designated Kerbside Paid Parking zone, has resulted in congestion along side streets and a decline in business.

Truluck also said that the fact that the Kerbside Paid Parking Scheme does not operate on weekends or after 5pm during the week makes no sense as 4 Avenue is busiest at these times.

Parkhurst residents, who have signed an online petition to remove the scheme from their area, echo Truluck’s sentiments.

Resident Philippa Robinson says that “there is no benefit to the residents, traders, the city…as no money is being made, the traffic congestion is in fact worse and the traders are being negatively affected”.

While another resident, Melanie Walker, said that “…it sucks being a resident … and not being able to go to my local shops without having to pay for what actually isn't a privilege, but a right. I no longer go to the shops in my area, but rather go to surrounding suburbs to get what I need as I don't have to pay for parking there.”

R269 per day

The petition gained momentum this week when the Democratic Alliance announced that the city netted only R269 per day of the income gained from Parkhurst between July and November last year.

Parkhurst’s earnings comprise 3% of the total money earned by the City from Scheme – the Central Business District and Braamfontein contribute 66% and 31% respectively.   

Similar parking schemes have been implemented in Cape Town since 2009 and Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape since 2002.