ORANGE councillor Ron Gander says a parking bay on Forest Road outside Orange hospital would put an end to a parking shortage at the facility.
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Cr Gander plans to put a motion before Orange City Council at tonight’s meeting to have a parking bay constructed at the site, which is currently illegally used by drivers who can’t find a parking spot on hospital grounds.
Cr Gander said he had been approached by several people concerned over parking problems at the hospital, with one frequent visitor complaining about almost missing appointments because she couldn’t find a parking spot and was unable to walk great distances.
“I think the hospital’s only 50 car parks short so this could take a fair bit of the pressure off,” he said.
“Cars already park nose-in there so I think we should formalise what’s already happening illegally.”
Cr Gander does not believe parking fines are given to people who park illegally outside the hospital gates.
“I think authorities understand that there’s an enormous need out there,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful hospital and a wonderful medical facility, but parking is a problem.”
If the parking bay was built, Cr Gander said it would be necessary to reduce the speed limit on Forest Road to 60 km/h for safety reasons, until traffic got past the Agricultural Research Station.
Cr Gander thought his plan would be supported by his fellow councillors, however, he was willing to listen to alternative solutions.
He says he has also been asked about the possibility of running a mini-bus to the hospital, departing from Orange railway station.
“I’ll listen to what people have to say but we just need to get something done,” he said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au