EXCLUSIVE: Merchant City Gridlock – Double Parking and Pedestrian Standoffs Spark Concern

Nightly chaos on Miller Street with double-parking clogging the street and children dart across traffic near Hootenanny, daring cars to stop

EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning

City-Centre streets have become battlegrounds for frustrated residents, with double-parked cars clogging Miller Street and pedestrians playing dangerous games on Howard Street.

What was once a weekend nuisance in the Merchant City has now escalated into a nightly nightmare, leaving wheelchair users stranded and locals exasperated.

Every night, Miller Street transforms into a parking free-for-all, with cars double-parked on faded yellow lines while pedestrians dart across traffic near Hootenanny, daring cars to stop.

Key Highlights:

• Double-Parking Chaos: "Just tonight, I saw eight cars double-parked on double yellow lines," said one resident. "This used to be a weekend problem—now it’s every night."

• Pedestrianisation Debate: Residents are divided on proposals to pedestrianise Miller Street, with some arguing it would bring vitality to the area while others worry about the impact on parking for locals.

• Councillor’s Response: Ward Councillor Angus Miller pledged to prioritise parking enforcement but acknowledged previous resistance to pedestrianisation plans.

• Dangerous Pedestrian Behaviours: Howard Street’s “pedestrian games” compound the issue, as groups force cars to stop, by deliberately crossing on red lights, causing gridlock.

Want to unlock the full story?

Hear residents' compelling accounts of nightly gridlock, learn why thecouncillor is under pressure to act, and uncover the heated debate over pedestrianisation.

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