Macleod streets congested by construction worker vehicles

Residents in Macleod are frustrated with construction workers parking their utes and SUVs in local streets, blocking driveways and damaging cars. The parking issues have persisted for over two years, causing significant disruptions to daily life. Despite timed parking regulations being introduced, many construction workers ignore them. Vehicles take up precious parking spaces, leading to complaints about uncollected waste and restricted access for emergency services. Residents have asked the Banyule City Council to take stronger action to resolve these problems. Some streets have 24-hour parking restrictions, but workers often bypass fines. Residents have reported feeling intimidated when addressing these parking violations. They have also noted issues like noise and public drinking. Councillor Matt Wood acknowledged the challenges, noting that about 6,000 workers arrive daily, mostly by car. While parking enforcement has increased, the council is struggling to find a proper parking area for workers. The lack of parking contributes to the congestion on narrow local streets. Residents can apply for parking permits, but additional permits come at a cost. Some locals feel the council's actions seem more focused on generating revenue than solving their parking concerns. Banyule Mayor Elizabeth Nealy emphasized that the state government needs to ensure the project meets its parking commitments. The local council has offered land for parking that the North East Link Project has yet to accept. The North East Link construction began in 2022 and is expected to end by 2028. When complete, it aims to reduce traffic on suburban roads and cut travel times significantly. However, the project has faced budget overruns, with the latest estimate at $26 billion.