Gold Coast Suns fans hit with parking fines as vacant parks go unused

MORE than 60 people were again slugged with parking tickets at the Gold Coast Suns’ home game on the weekend while hundreds of nearby carparks lay empty. HAVE YOUR SAY

Fans were slapped with parking fines at Metricon Stadium on the weekend

MORE than 60 people were again slugged with parking tickets at the Gold Coast Suns’ home game on the weekend while hundreds of nearby carparks lay empty.

But council officials are unapologetic and say they have no intention of opening up more parking spaces to the public.

They are urging fans who park around Metricon Stadium at Carrara to follow the rules.

“The AFL and Gold Coast Suns invest hundreds of thousands of dollars annually on an efficient park and ride system,” a council spokeswoman said.

“Footy fans need to make that their number one transport mode to avoid parking hassles.

“Those who insist on driving do have paid parking options adjacent to Metricon but these do fill to capacity.

“Council does not plan on opening up other parking options in the area as that would detract from the first-class park and ride services put on by the Suns.

“Council encourages all footy fans to plan their journey and avoid parking illegally on grassed verges, parks and play areas.”

Last month 85 motorists were slugged on one match day as the majority of 400 new car spaces at the nearby Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre were left empty.

And last year Mayor Tom Tate criticised parking fines handed out to Suns fans as a “cash grab” and said it was “not a good look”.