Parents and students at Moreton Bay College in Manly West are expressing frustration over new parking restrictions that prevent P-plate drivers from parking on campus, citing concerns about convenience and limited transport alternatives.
Moreton Bay College, a Uniting Church girls’ school in Manly West, recently implemented parking restrictions for student drivers due to construction works that began over the holiday period.
The school initially informed students of the changes in June last year, advising that parking would no longer be available on campus and discouraging students from driving to school. The decision has sparked discontent among students and parents who had planned their transport arrangements around the availability of on-site parking.
Safety vs. Convenience
In an email to parents, the school cited limited parking availability and safety concerns as the primary reasons for the changes. The directive also extends to the adjacent Uniting Church car park, which is now off-limits to students.
Additionally, students have been advised against parking in nearby streets or commercial areas, including the local Bunnings car park. Parents argue that the lack of parking options will create significant inconvenience, particularly for students with after-school commitments such as work and extracurricular activities.
Exploring Other Options
Despite lobbying from parents, the school has yet to provide alternative parking solutions or suggestions. Some parents have called for temporary parking arrangements or shuttle services to mitigate the impact.
Others suggest that the school should have considered staggered schedules or designated off-site parking areas to accommodate students affected by the restrictions.
Voices from the School Community
Many parents and students have expressed dissatisfaction on social media, calling the move “unreasonable” and “inconvenient.” Concerns have been expressed concerning increased travel time and dependency on public transportation, which some claim is unsustainable owing to long commuting hours and insufficient services.
However, some community members support the school’s stance, citing the need for safety and logistical considerations during construction.
What Lies Ahead for Students and Parents?
The parking restrictions at Moreton Bay College in Manly West remain a contentious issue, with parents and students continuing to advocate for revised solutions. While the school maintains that the measures are necessary for safety and construction purposes, the long-term impact on students’ daily routines remains a concern.
Further discussions between school administrators and families may be required to address ongoing grievances.
Published 27-Jan-2025
