Tauranga City Council are hitting pause on a number of parking initiatives across the city after concern from residents.
The paused initiatives include the extension of paid parking in the city centre, the plan to introduce paid parking to Mount Maunganui, and the implementation of parking restrictions with time-limited bus lanes on Cameron Road.
Tauranga road users have increasingly reported their frustration with congestion and parking, with some businesses profits reportedly down "between 60% and 80%".
Mount Maunganui residents also warned the changes would "kill" activity in the retail area.
Commission chair Anne Tolley said they have listened to the community and noted the frustration around these issues that affect residents, workers, businesses, and tourists in Tauranga.
"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 re-set was necessary and report on recommended future actions would be presented to council in March 2024.
As well as deferring the parking project implementation, the local commission has pushed back the roll-out of time-limited clear-way bus lanes on Cameron Road, which were scheduled to start in January 2024.
Stage one of the Cameron Road project is due to be completed at the end of this year – but has left businesses frustrated with the ongoing congestion, roadworks and lack of parking space.
"We are acutely aware of the issues facing many Cameron Road businesses because of the major road, water, and wastewater improvements underway," said Tolley.
The Tauranga City Council will be working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to ensure when the bus lanes return. It will be "beneficial" to bus users and motorists who travel along Cameron Road, Tolley said.
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