Stellenbosch University (SU) has been working alongside the local municipality to create alternative solutions to ease congested parking areas in Stellenbosch, according to Martin Viljoen, media manager at Stellenbosch University.
The coordinated approach aims to implement non-motorised transport (NMT), which includes the use of bicycles and walking routes, as an alternative solution to overcrowded parking areas, confirmed Viljoen, via written correspondence with MatieMedia.
A coordinated approach, which aims to implement non-motorised transport (NMT), including the use of bicycles and walking routes, as an alternative solution to overcrowded parking areas, according to Martin Viljoen, media manager at Stellenbosch University, via written correspondence with MatieMedia. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
Optimising existing parking bays
Over 32 000 students attend the institution, and approximately 6 400 parking spaces are available on campus, said Viljoen. Approximately 3 500 of those spaces are allocated to students, added Viljoen.
“There are more than 600 parking bays standing empty each day in the Lentelus, Silvertrees and Coetzenburg parking areas,” said Viljoen. He added that shuttles were available to “bring staff and students into the central part of campus”.
“The university will thus not consider building more parking bays here,” he said.
The NMT initiative, run by SU’s Facilities Management, plans to assess potential walking and cycling routes running through the Faculty of Engineering, connecting to the bridge that runs over Merriman Street, said Roelof Loubser, mobility manager at Transport Services.
“They are also looking at Bosman Street and the possibility of making it partially one-way to make it more accessible for bicycles and pedestrians,” explained Loubser.
“I think the parking is not enough, it challenges me, [and is] giving me a lot of work,” said Saneliso Maqhajana, a local car guard in Stellenbosch. Parking bays at Eikestad Mall get filled up everyday, claimed Maqhajana. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams
‘A nightmare getting to campus at 08:00’
“One time I had a test at 08:00, I came 20 minutes late because, even though I left at 06:50, it’s always a nightmare getting to campus [to find parking] at 08:00,” said Sa’eed Fataar, a postgraduate engineering student at SU.
Parking bays at Eikestad Mall get filled up everyday, according to Saneliso Maqhajana, a local car guard in Stellenbosch.
“I think the parking is not enough, it challenges me, [and is] giving me a lot of work,” said Maqhajana.
There are approximately 6 400 parking spaces on campus in total. Approximately 3 500 of those spaces are allocated to students (including parking bays at residences), according to Martin Viljoen, media manager at Stellenbosch University. PHOTO: Jodi-Mari Adams