After the successful introduction of a mobile parking patrol vehicle in the city in March, council is ready to extend the patrols into the weekend.

It follows a number of complaints about parking practices on Saturday mornings, especially in cafe-heavy Keppel Street.

“In particular, people have been continually parking in loading zones when they can’t find a parking spot, because they know they can get away with it,” Councillor Warren Aubin said.

He said they are also parking in disabled spaces and no-stopping zones – so council has decided to act.

Cr Aubin said it is his understanding the patrols will begin this weekend.

“We will be dusting the cobwebs off very soon – this weekend, I think,” he said.

“People have been getting into bad parking habits. We want to get them back into good parking practices.”

Cr Aubin said the introduction of the mobile parking patrol vehicle has improved parking conditions in the city during the week. 

“It is working extremely well,” he said.

“The turnover of parked cars has been really good.

“The businesses we have heard from are very happy with how it is all going.

“You can find a parking space at most times in the CBD. We are hoping for the same outcome as a result of the Saturday patrols.”

Keppel Street business owner, Keith Illingworth, of Inspiration Paints, is thrilled with the introduction of Saturday parking patrols.

He has long had problems with cars parking in the loading zone outside his store, which has prevented tradies from using it to pick up their heavy painting supplies. 

“I think it’s a good idea,” he said.

“Because of the number of coffee shops and food outlets in Keppel Street, Saturday mornings can be chockers.

“There is a loading zone in the centre of the street and I find cars parking there most Saturday mornings because they can’t get a spot in the street. They can be fined for that.”

Mr Illingworth said he has a lot of trade businesses and his customers don’t want to have to walk blocks carrying heavy goods when there is a loading zone right outside his store for their use. 

“Saturday mornings are very busy and that’s why people tend to park their cars in the middle of the road,” he said.

“If the mobile parking patrols free up that loading zone, I will be a happy man.”

Mr Illingworth said there is free public parking available in the car park behind the library/art gallery complex. 

Council said parking conditions will not change, however, Bathurst residents are reminded to ensure that they check the signs when parking to ensure they park legally and within the posted time limits.

A lot of the parking zones around the CBD have time limits in place between 8.30am and 12.30pm on Saturdays, however, that may vary so it is best to check the nearest sign.