Free for all: But maybe not for long if councillors approve to turn the Mount Druitt Medical Centre car park into paid parking for non-patients.
BLACKTOWN councillors will consider a development application to turn a free medical centre car park into paid parking.
A submission has been lodged with Blacktown Council to turn the Mount Druitt Medical Centre car park in Jirrong Close into paid parking to discourage all-day parking so those who need it the most can use it.
Boom gates would be installed at the 74-spot car park.
The first two hours would be free for medical patients, who can get tickets validated inside the clinic.
Tickets can be validated for the extended period if the appointment is more than two hours.
For others, fees would range between $5 for three hours and $20 for more than six hours.
Ward five councillor Charlie Lowles supports the proposal.
"A lot of people who use the car park aren't patients," he said.
"As long as patients don't get charged, it should be OK.
"I would suggest a trial period."
Ward four councillor Edmond Atalla is against paid parking but agreed the car park should exclusively be for medical centre patients.
"It's a money grabbing exercise," Cr Atalla said. "There are better ways for the medical centre to discourage non-customers from using the car park."
Free parking in Mount Druitt has increased with the recent opening of the commuter car park nearby.
Some residents support the proposal.
"I've waited sometimes more than two hours to see a doctor there. So maybe a limit would be an idea," Nicole Camilleri wrote on the Star's Facebook page.
What do you you think? Comment at stmarysstar.com.au.