By Alesha Capone
MORE than 250 fines have been issued to vehicles parked illegally at Werribee Train Station over the past six months.
Since 1 July last year, the Department of Transport (DOT) have given out 264 parking infringements to commuters parked at the transport hub.
Statistics released to Star reveal most of the penalties were for drivers who parked outside designated bays.
In addition, three vehicles were fined for parking in a no stopping area and another three for stopping on a footpath.
“Authorised officers patrol Werribee, and all of our other gazetted stations, regularly for parking infringements,” a DOT spokeswoman said.
Last October, Star reported train passengers were resorting to parking their cars illegally, in non-designated bays like gardens, pathways and ‘Keep Clear’ zones, at Werribee and Laverton stations.
At Werribee, commuters said they would like more car parks as the area filled up by around 7.30am every morning.
“We used to drive from Manor Lakes, and it was very hard to find a spot,” said Jane Bordelli.
That’s why we catch the bus now, because every time we come to park, we find it very hard to find a spot,” the 71-year-old said.
Wyndham City Council’s former mayor, Cr Heather Marcus, said she believed road congestion and the availability of car parking at Werribee Railway Station were among Wyndham’s greatest challenges.
Council employees also regularly patrol residential streets adjacent to Werribee and Hoppers Crossing Railway Stations for illegally parked cars.
The Department of Transport said an extra 1000 parking spots recently became available at Hoppers Crossing and Laverton stations, with 500 set to be built at the proposed Williams Landing Station next year.
