Moonee Ponds Central employees copping parking fines, as traffic congestion spurs petition

WORKERS at a busy shopping centre in Melbourne’s north are having to dash out and move their cars to avoid parking fines, as the precinct’s fast-paced development worsens traffic congestion.

A parking officer issuing a fine on congested Puckle St, Moonee Ponds. Picture: Mark Wilson

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RETAIL workers at a busy shopping precinct are excusing themselves while serving customers to dash out and move their vehicles to avoid parking fines.

Employees have copped fines of $76, prompting a petition of more than 200 signatures so far demanding parking alternatives or extra permits for workers.

Parking woes have escalated around Moonee Ponds Central, particularly after a 195-space car park on Homer St was shut last June to make way for apartments.

Telstra’s Julie Grixti, who received three fines in the past six months, said staff were setting alarms and leaving for 10 minutes at a time to shift their cars, sometimes while in the middle of serving customers.

“Customers aren’t impressed,” she said. “It’s just not very professional.”

Shopping centre workers Lesley and John are sick of getting parking fines, and limited parking options.

Moonee Valley Council enforces restrictions and claims the revenue while Moonee Ponds Central sets the parking limits.

Kmart worker Stewart Smith said there needed to be leeway for employees, with two-hour limits unworkable for staff.

Apartment development is making the parking problem worse.

Moonee Ponds Central manager Doug Lowe said free parking with time restrictions was “designed to support the convenience of our customers”.

But Ms Grixti said it should cater for customers, residents and workers.

She said all-day parking on Holmes Rd and Margaret St and four-hour median strip zones on Mt Alexander Rd were too far for time-conscious staff to walk.

Remedy Yoga co-owner Jess Dohnt, who has received multiple fines, said the hassle had forced them to move the business’s administration work offsite.

Mayor Andrea Surace said a parking overlay that is awaiting State Government approval proposes a cash-in-lieu scheme forcing developers who provide insufficient car spaces in their designs to help pay for new public parking and transport improvements.

Cr Surace said park-and-ride options could be considered by workers, with public transport available.

All-day parking:

Gladstone St multistorey (paid)

Holmes Rd (free)

Margaret St (free)

Four-hour limit:

Mt Alexander Rd median strip (free)

Two-hour limit:

Gladstone St multistorey (paid)

Shuter St (free)

Hall St — western end (free)

Gladstone St — Woolworths car park (free)