A taxi holding zone at Caringbah station has been removed to provide 14 time-limited, public parking spaces.
The move is designed to compensate for the eastern side of the shopping strip, between the train station and President Avenue, becoming a virtual 24-hour clearway.
It leaves a three-space rank at the top of Hay Street as the only dedicated parking for taxis.
Previously, when the rank was full, taxis could park in the holding area further down Hay Street, opposite the council car park.
A Sutherland Shire Council report said Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) had “consulted with the local taxi council, who have no objection to the proposal”.
However, taxis drivers, who discovered the change on the weekend, were unhappy, telling the Leader it would lead to fewer taxis serving the station.
RMS proposed in April removing up to 14 parking spaces on the eastern side of Kingsway to provide an extra right-turn lane from Kingsway into President Avenue and otherwise improve traffic flow through the area.
Shop owners protested, saying it would result in customers shopping elsewhere.
The council’s traffic committee endorsed the changes, but added further compensation, with 12 spaces at the top of the council car park to be made half-hour parking.
The committee also asked for a report on possible further changes:
- Hay Lane made two way.
- An additional taxi rank should be provided adjacent to the southern kerb of Kingsway immediately west of the traffic lights at Caringbah station.
- Parallel parking should be provided on the north-east side of Hay Lane.
- Ninety degree angle parking should be provided on the southern side of Hay Avenue.
- The right turn from Port Hacking Road into Kingsway should be prohibited.
