That parking continues to be at a premium in Philipsburg is no secret. Clem Labega Square, which housed the demolished former Government Administration Building, remains one of the few legal options.
Plans to fully automate the paid parking lot (see Tuesday newspaper) to ensure smooth collection make sense, as long as the system works well, also in case of power outages and does not hamper effective use of the facility in any way. A decision on whether this will be the same as what is done at the airport must still be taken, but something similar appears probable.
Adding the former Post Office location would indeed be a help, although neither of these two actions is likely to solve the illegal parking issue. People’s nature is to want to drive their vehicle as close to their destination as they can and walk as little as possible.
For example, space is usually available at the lot next to the new Administration Building on Pond Island, but many consider it too far. If they lived abroad in a big city, covering such distances on foot would be normal.
Granted, the sun can be very hot, especially in the early afternoon. This may be addressed by wearing a hat and light clothes, or using a parasol for protection from the rays, as well as carrying water to stay hydrated.
Truth be told, walking is healthy and relatively low-risk exercise, suitable for both young and old. Certainly, office personnel go more or less from bed to a breakfast chair, to car seat, to a desk at work, back in the car, to the dinner table at home, on the couch and finally to bed again does not seem like the best way to live.
The importance of movement cannot be overstated, and having to walk about 10 minutes to get to a certain business or government service is not the worst thing in the world.
