Mawson Lakes Interchange commuters parking illegally after 44 spaces fenced off for work on shared path

COMMUTERS are risking fines by parking illegally at Mawson Lakes Interchange after more than 40 spaces were fenced off for work on a new walking and cycling path.

Commuters parking in non-parking areas at Mawson Lakes Interchange due to ongoing road upgrades.

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COMMUTERS are risking fines by parking illegally at Mawson Lakes Interchange after more than 40 spaces were fenced off last month for roadworks.

The Transport Department and Salisbury Council started building a $2.4 million shared footpath along Elder Smith Drive in October.

The path aims to encourage more walkers and cyclists to use the interchange, rather than driving.

But the upgrade has increased frustrations for commuting drivers, with 44 carparks now fenced off at the interchange to store construction equipment.

The area fenced off for a new shared footpath on Elder Smith Drive.

Cr Beau Brug, who commutes to the CBD from Mawson Lakes each morning and spoke to the Northern Weekly from the crowded interchange last week, said the removal had worsened a parking shortage.

“It is 8.20am and it’s already packed,” Cr Brug said.

“People are already parked over yellow lines just to get a spot.

“People don’t care where they park — and they’re happy to risk a fine as they need to use the interchange.”

In April, Salisbury Council called on the State Government to include money in the 2017/18 budget to build a multistorey carpark at the interchange, but did not receive any funding.

Parking there has been a longstanding issue, with only 454 general and 14 disabled car spaces provided — before those 40 were fenced off.

A car parked on a yellow line at Mawson Lakes Interchange.

Nearby Tea Tree Gully Interchange has more than 700 spaces and is expected to add an extra 300 spots early next year.

Cr Brug will this month urge the council to again write to the State Government asking it to contribute funds towards a multistorey carpark.

A Transport Department spokesman said the shared path works would be completed by early next year.

“This is an important project that will upgrade and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, people with prams, wheelchairs and other mobility devices,” the spokesman said.

“(The Transport Department) appreciates the patience and understanding of the public.”

Salisbury Council contributed $1.6 million to the shared path project.