By Laura Wakely
ROAD users have contributed more than $600,000 to Brimbank Council in parking fines since July last year.
A total of 13,197 parking fines were issued in 2011, with the council raking in $618,000 for the 2011-2012 financial year so far.
If previous years are anything to go by, that figure could rise to a total of $1.2 million by June 30.
General Manager of City Development Stephen Sully said most of the fines in 2011 accumulated in St Albans and Sunshine, with the worst streets being Alfrieda St and Hampshire Rd.
In most cases drivers were overstaying time limits or parking in no-standing zones, while 809 fines were issued to drivers who took disabled parking spaces without a permit.
But it’s not just money drivers are contributing to Brimbank Council – they also received 1122 complaints about parking last year.
Mr Sully said council is identifying the need for improved parking provisions in many of Brimbank’s town centres, including Sunshine and St Albans, as part of their strategic planning.
He said council was also looking at strategies for cycling and public transport.
Mr Sully said the exemption public schools have from planning permit requirements meant that council was unable to manage on-site car parking and drop-off arrangements, which could cause parking headaches for drivers.
Stations are another hotspot for parking problems and Mr Sully said council has called on improved parking at stations.
“Improved bus network access, bike storage and ‘kiss and ride’ facilities (allowing drivers to stop and help others out of the car while remaining within a short distance of the vehicle) would improve the situation and reduce car parking demand,” Mr Sully said.
