By VANESSA VALENZUELA
BRIMBANK City Council slapped motorists with more than 12,000 parking fines last year, with hundreds of infringements handed out to drivers parked in disabled parking spaces.
A total of 12,651 parking fines were issued in Brimbank in 2012, which equates to about 34 parking fines handed out to motorists every day.
Drivers continue to illegally park in disabled parking spaces with 645 fines handed out to selfish motorists last year.
Just eight infringements were handed out to drivers parking in clearways throughout the municipality.
In the 2011-2012 financial year the council raked in more than $1.4 million in fines.
Brimbank Council’s acting general manager of City Development Stuart Menzies said the majority of parking infringements issued last year were handed out to drivers ignoring timed parking zones.
Mr Menzies also said most of the fines in 2012 accumulated in St Albans and Sunshine town centres.
“Council believes education and enforcement are the two most effective methods address the problem of people ignoring parking provisions,” Mr Menzies said.
“Car parking is a limited resource, and council gives priority consideration to the safety of pedestrians and motorists, accessibility for residents and facilitating the needs of local businesses.”
Mr Menzies said the council was also looking at strategies for better cycling infrastructure to encourage residents to take other forms of transport.
“Council regularly advocates for improved infrastructure and services to help with Brimbank residents being able to make a change from the car to public transport, as well as cycling or walking.”
