Watsonia commuters pushed out of their own parking by rail works

Watsonia commuters say they are being pushed out of their own spots due to others using the line due to rail works. And with motorists being fined for parking illegally they say something has to change.

Commuters are struggling to find car spots at Watsonia station. Picture: Andrew Tauber.

Hundreds of commuters have been hit with fines after parking illegally while scrambling to find a park at Watsonia station.

Users say works on other lines have seen an influx in the number of people using the Hurstbridge line, meaning parking spaces are filling up earlier.

Commuter Dominika Piechowski said the carpark was crammed with people desperate to park their cars.

“If you get ‘adventurous’ with parking you get a fine,” Ms Piechowski said.

Commuters have begun parking illegally at Watsonia station as the station becomes busier. Picture Andrew Tauber

According to the Department of Transport, 265 infringement notices were issued in 2019, ranging between $32 and $161.

Of those, 14 motorists were charged the maximum amount.

The 120 spot carpark becomes clogged as early at 7.30am.

The Victorian Government added 104 spaces to Watsonia Station car park in 2017.

Commuters are calling for leniency with fines, saying the carpark is not big enough for the increased traffic.

Watsonia station commuters are parking illegally due to lack of space.

People unable to find a car spot resort to parking up on the grass or clogging up nearby residential streets.

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Banyule Mayor Alison Champion said the council was aware of the increased demand for carparks at Watsonia station.

“Council has been advocating to the State Government to make allowances for additional parking in this area,” Ms Champion said.

Responding to a Facebook post by Heidelberg Leader, commuters expressed their frustration at the lack of options.

“It’s been like that for years,” Julia Connor said.

Sandy Inglis said the surrounding streets were jam packed with cars.

“Where there is no signage, cars are just everywhere,” he said.

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