The Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) has reversed plans to extend clearway times on Unley Road.
In April 2019, DPTI announced that it planned to extend clearway times by an hour in the morning and evening peaks.
"The proposed extension came as a surprise to the many small businesses along the road," Small Business Commissioner John Chapman said.
"Many of the traders are in the hospitality business and rely on ease of access to parking for a significant part of their business."
"The Unley Road Association contacted me with their concerns and I took up the matter with DPTI CE Mr Tony Braxton-Smith."
The Member for Unley and the Minister for Innovation and Skills Hon David Pisoni MP also raised the matter directly with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Hon Stephan Knoll MP. The Unley Council also raised concerns about the impact on small businesses.
DPTI had proposed expanding the morning peak from 7:30am - 9:00am to 7:00am - 10:00am and in the evening peak from 4:30pm - 6:00pm to 3:00pm - 7:00pm
DPTI's plan for Unley Road was part of the "Keep Metro Traffic Moving" program which is being rolled out across Adelaide. In this case, DPTI agreed to undertake a full review of the clearway times and has advised the Small Business Commissioner that the travel time benefits are not as clear cut on Unley Road due to the specific features of the corridor and that there would be no change.
"This is great news for the Unley Road traders, and I believe DPTI is now well aware of the need to properly consult businesses prior to any decisions being made which can impact them negatively," Mr Chapman said.
"I appreciate the willingness by DPTI to address what could have been a disastrous impact on these businesses."
