Box Hill railway station carpark collects most parking fines than any other station in Victoria

COMMUTERS who drive to this railway station not only have to negotiate worn-out infrastructure and crowds to catch a train, but are more likely to break the law to get a park than at any other station in the state.

COMMUTERS driving to Box Hill railway station not only have to negotiate worn-out infrastructure and crowds to catch a train, but they are more likely to break the law to get a park than at any other station in the state.

Transport Victoria stats reveal the station’s carpark attracted 979 of the 9898 infringements dished out at train stations across the state in 2017.

A Metro parking inspector, who did not want to be named, said he often found drivers had parked illegally in the free commuter area, such as parking within the carpark’s turning areas, in a bid to avoid paying for parking elsewhere.

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Of the 979 fines slapped on car owners in Box Hill, 49 per cent were for cars illegally parked in a permit zone, 44 per cent were for cars not completely parked in a bay, 6 per cent for illegally parking in a disabled bay and 1 per cent for parking in a no-stopping area.

The basement level carparks are intended to be used only for commuters. Picture: Steve Tanner

This data only includes fines handed out in the basement level of Box Hill Central carpark — where 584 spaces are free to rail commuters — and not fines issued in nearby carparks used by Box Hill commuters, such as on Cambridge St.

Whitehorse Leader has previously reported commuters complaining there weren’t enough carparks at the busy transport hub, and were missing out on spots to tradies working on the many building sites in Box Hill.

But the RACV and the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA) said building more carparks was not the answer, but rather more frequent and reliable buses and secure bicycle parking were.

Commuters say they struggle to find a carpark. Picture: Steve Tanner

RACV spokesman Dave Jones also said management of carparks needed to be reconsidered.

He said the RACV would support the introduction of carpark controls — such as using myki or other technology to verify drivers parking in commuter spaces were train users — at Box Hill.

“Another commuter carpark, if feasible, is not likely to end the competition between visitors and travellers,” Mr Jones said.

PTUA president Tony Morton said: “When you look at the costs of adding parking spaces compared with the number added you’re looking at $15,000-$50,000 per car space, which, for one additional train passenger, is a huge outlay.”

The commuter carpark is located within Box Hill Central. Picture: Steve Tanner

The Box Hill Transit Interchange Steering Committee is preparing a business case for the redevelopment of the station and bus interchange.

It is expected to hand its recommendations to the State Government next year.

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