As a direct response to the town’s growing population, time restrictions will now be enforced to handle the increase in vehicles parking there.
These include community centres in Lincoln, West Melton, Darfield, Dunsandel and Leeston as well as several other recreation areas.
This means people parking illegally in those areas may be fined.
In Rolleston, 180-minute parks are available on Christensen Way, 120min, 30min and 10min spaces on Rōhutu Way, 120 and 30min spaces on Markham Way, and 30min parks along Tennyson St.
The council says these times were selected to balance keeping parks available for business customers and for good use of the area.
Bargain Chemist Rolleston retail manager Jimmy Zhang said the change in time limits on Rōhutu Way has had a positive impact on customers.
“It’s a really good idea and it relieves the stress for the customers.
“To be honest, we had customers complaining they couldn’t find a parking spot at a busy time of the day because all the places have been taken.
“So it’s good for customers and I think it will help the stores around a lot.”
“Because it’s quite full. (customers) come here and they have no car park, they have to fight, especially when it gets busier.”
Rolleston resident Lisa Chemaly agreed the 30-minute parking times on Tennyson St are too short.
“It’s a little bit short for coffee shops and food places, I think. I mean, if you think about what people are going to park there for, that doesn’t make sense.
“No one’s going to only be 30 minutes if they’re having a coffee with a friend or food.”
O-Studio manager Madi Wilson said customers have already expressed annoyance at the new limits, due to some of the studio’s sessions exceeding the 120min limit on Rōhutu Way.
“For us, people come here for longer periods of time, so it’s not practical.
“They can’t enjoy their session if they’re stressed about parking.”
The council says workers and other visitors who need all-day parking can use the large carpark north of the Rolleston Community Centre as it has no time restrictions.
Robert Miller, Majestic Café Rolleston Fields co-owner and chef, said he’s hopeful workers not parking in the limited areas, as well as time limits for business customers, will mean his guests find it easier to get a park.
Tim Mason, council executive director infrastructure and property, said it’s exciting to see the growth of Rolleston’s town centre.
He said the need to improve parking availability proves it’s becoming a popular place.
“Growth is a good thing to see happening in Rolleston town centre and with more people working and visiting, we want to make sure they can find a park and enjoy their time in Rolleston, supporting our local businesses.”
Rolleston resident Jamee Zohs agreed timed parking in the town centre was necessary to accommodate the growing population.
“It is growing to be fair, just so that there is space for people to come and go. Some parts of Rolleston are just impossible to get car parks these days.”
