Submission
Which parking changes proposal would like to comment on
Esplanade
Do you support or oppose the proposed changes?
I/We oppose the proposed changes
What is your feedback on the proposed changes
I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed changes to the current parking system in our area. These changes are unnecessary and risk making the situation worse for local residents, particularly when it comes to access to parking near their homes.
The main issue impacting parking availability is not the current structure of the system, but the ongoing problem of freedom campers occupying residential parking spaces for extended periods. These vehicles—often large vans or campervans—remain parked in the same spots for days or even weeks, treating public roads as free campgrounds. This behavior significantly reduces the availability of parking for those of us who live here and pay to be part of this community.
The frustration this causes cannot be overstated. Residents are being pushed out of their own neighborhoods by individuals who contribute nothing to the area but take full advantage of public resources. It's unacceptable that locals, many of whom rely on street parking due to limited off-street options, are forced to compete with non-residents who use our streets as temporary housing.
The answer is not to change the parking system—which works well for the people it was designed to serve—but to confront the real issue head-on. What’s urgently needed is effective enforcement to prevent freedom campers from monopolizing residential streets. This means actively moving them on and ensuring they do not return, not creating new parking rules that make life harder for residents while doing nothing to address the root cause of the problem.
I urge the council to focus its efforts where they will have the greatest impact: restoring parking access to the people who live here by addressing the misuse of residential streets by freedom campers. Leave the current system in place and instead take meaningful steps to protect local residents from an issue that is only growing worse.
Supporting information
No associated documents with this submission.
Submitter
Submission id number: 1137052
Submitter name:
Johnny Johnny
Last name
Simmons
Organisation
In what capacity are you providing your feedback?
Visitor