Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) has wiped out 20 metres of parking while a new turning lane is built for The Mill residence. 

But Sturt Highway traders “had no idea” the parking had changed until until a surveyor crossed the road on Thursday morning and suggested shoppers move their cars to avoid being booked.

Saddleworld owner Sylvia Douglas had a lot riding on steady Christmas trade, after two months of record rainfall forced the cancellation of local horse shows. 

The mother-daughter business had been “struggling to stay alive in a pretty cruel retail environment” and hoped December trading would buck the trend.

“We’re on a highway so we get a lot of passing trade; horse people see the saddlery and pull over as they’re passing through Wagga,” Ms Douglas said.

“The wet weather had a huge impact on our business because every horse event was cancelled but we order our stock six months in advance.

“This December, Christmas trade was going to get us back on top; it's an absolute and utter mess.”

While affected shop-owners have consistently been the last to know, the state roads authority is adamant some parking spotes will be restored once roadworks have been finished.

An RMS spokeswoman told The Daily Advertiser parking should be reinstated next week, weather permitting.

“As part of a new housing development The Mill’s development application to Wagga City Council, about 20 metres of parking between Baretta Lane and Fitzhardinge Street will be reduced to build a right turn lane into Fitzhardinge Street from Edward Street,” the spokeswoman said.

Store-owners are also confused by two new signs with arrows pointing  at one another, as one indicates no stopping and the other suggests no parking.

Shoppers are urged to park at the rear.