Lack of parking may halt holidays

The Southland Multiple Sclerosis Society says some of its members will no longer be able to use the society's holiday home in Queenstown once parking restrictions in Frankton come into effect.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council's utilities committee approved a proposed parking prohibition on Frankton's Lake Ave between Allen Cres and McBride St at its meeting last week.

Society office administrator Mary Burn said, in a letter to the council, the society owned a holiday home at McBride St, Frankton, which was used by members with disabilities.

"We are concerned about the no-parking restriction in front of our holiday home . . .

For members not to be able to park in front would make it very difficult for them to visit the home, giving them a longer walk which in some cases would make it impossible for them," she said.

The council's infrastructure strategy manager Denis Mander recommended the committee adopt the proposals, despite the concerns raised by the society.

"It is recommended that the proposal, no-parking controls at the McBride St-Lake Ave intersection, be implemented in order to provide adequate safe lane widths for traffic using the intersection," he said.

He had spoken to the society and it "reluctantly" accepted the safety issues, he said.

He said the parking restrictions were necessary for "reasonable access" to the new Remarkables Primary School.

The restrictions allow for a drop-off area and bus stop in front of the school.

About 10 residents of Lake Ave, in a joint submission to the council, said the restrictions were "excessive and unreasonable".

Mr Mander said he met the residents and reviewed the parking restrictions.

Between McBride St and the first school entrance, parking would only be prohibited during school opening and closing times and between the second school entrance and Allen St, parking would be permitted at all times.

The school and residents were "satisfied" with the changes, he said.

School board representative Chris Cereke said he was concerned about parents ignoring the yellow lines and using the opposite side of Lake Ave, requiring children to cross the road.

He was also concerned about parents parking on Frankton reserve.

A bylaw amendment report, giving effect to the proposed changes, will be submitted to the council for approval.