Coalition delivers for small business with clearways changes
Small businesses across Melbourne will get much-needed relief from onerous and damaging clearway restrictions as the Coalition Government delivers on its commitment to reverse Labor's clearway laws.
Inspecting the installation of the first of the new clearway signs in High Street Prahran with local traders today, Premier Ted Baillieu said the Coalition was delivering on its election policy commitment to help small business by reversing clearway laws.
"Labor's laws were driving small businesses to the wall," Mr Baillieu said.
"Sydney Road traders estimated their annual loss at nearly $2 million and the City of Stonnington estimated Labor's clearways laws would have cost High Street traders $6 million per year.
"Labor's clearways scheme forced small business owners and retailers to bear the cost of 11 years of failure to improve public transport and provide solutions to traffic congestion.
"The Coalition's plan will provide much-needed relief to small businesses because shoppers and staff will find it easier to park," Mr Baillieu said.
The delivery of the Coalition's clearways policy will ensure:
- extended clearways which operated from 6.30am to 10am and 3 or 4pm to 7pm within a 10 kilometre radius of the CBD will be returned to their original operating times;
- 8000 signs in 160 clearways across 13 local government areas will be replaced at a cost of $2 million;
- High Street Prahran and Victoria Street Richmond will have their original afternoon clearway times reinstated before Christmas;
- work will begin before Christmas to reverse Labor's clearways in Sydney Road, Moreland and High Street, Kew; and
- VicRoads will restore all 160 clearways to the original times as soon as possible.
"Clearways are important in managing Melbourne's traffic flows, so motorists should carefully check the new clearway operation times when parking to ensure they are not fined," Mr Baillieu said.
"We will consult with councils, business and property owners who were not consulted or listened to by the previous government on lessening congestion and improving parking.
"We are also committed to improving Melbourne's public transport system to make it safer, more reliable and cleaner, including the removal of level crossings and more money for trains and basic maintenance," Mr Baillieu said.
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