Gold Coast: Fury over fine prompts council to rethink parking enforcement operations due to COVID-19 crisis

Council has been urged to go easy on parking fines in light of the hardship being caused by coronavirus. Tell us what you think. VOTE IN OUR POLL

A NORTHERN Gold Coaster is furious she was given a parking ticket in Surfers Paradise on Monday, despite there plenty of other free parks in the street.

The woman, who did not want to be named, has appealed to council to relax its policy in light of the hardship being caused by the coronavirus crisis.

“I was stressed because I don’t usually go into town and didn’t have quite the right amount of coins and so when I returned to my one-hour park I got an $80 fine,” she said.

“In light of what’s happening, surely the council has better things to do. I wasn’t blocking traffic, the street was empty with car parks and quite frankly I think council should have a heart during these stressful times.”

A Gold Coast City Council spokesman told the Bulletin its policies were being reviewed in light of the crisis.

“Given the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the community, the city is reviewing its parking enforcement operations daily,” the spokesman said.

“Greatest focus is being placed on responding to offences which present a safety risk to the community, affect the free flow of traffic, or limit customers access to key businesses and services.

“City parking officers have been asked to use their discretion in these difficult times and we are doing our utmost to be compassionate and take into account personal circumstances.

“We’d like to remind all drivers to park safely, abide by the road rules, and be mindful of other people who need to park at our key precincts and public spaces.”

Parking fines can be appealed by requesting a review through the city’s website.