Hurstbridge line shut down brings parking pandemonium to South Morang

THE closure of the Hurstbridge line for level crossing removal works is forcing frustrated commuters at nearby stations to park illegally, and police are not going easy on them.

With the Hurstbridge train line shut down, the parking squeeze at South Morang station has reached unprecedented levels. Picture: Ellen Smith

MORE parking at South Morang station has been opened in an effort to combat an influx of hundreds of commuters from the Hurstbridge train line.

A temporary overflow carpark has been set up by Whittlesea Council on a grassed area at the council chambers to ease the congestion, which is the result of Hurstbridge line closures for level crossing removal works.

The parking squeeze has gone from dire to diabolic with spaces at the station, as well as the temporary carpark, full by 6.30am.

POLICE DISHING OUT HEAVY FINES AT SOUTH MORANG

PTV TELLS COMMUTERS WHO CAN'T FIND PARKING "TO CATCH BUS" INSTEAD

EPPING PLAZA TO SLASH PARKING TIMES

The strain is also being felt down the line at Epping, Lalor and Thomastown stations while its neighbour line shuts for six weeks to remove level crossings.

The council’s city transport and presentation director Nick Mann said he understood commuters’ concerns but that the overflow carpark was only a temporary solution.

“Providing parking at stations is the responsibility of the State Government,” he said.

Whittlesea Council has opened up an overflow car park to alleviate the pain while the Hurstbridge Line is shut down. Picture: Ellen Smith

In the meantime, police are warning desperate commuters, scrambling for scarce parking options, they will get fined if they disobey restrictions.

“South Morang Station is on our radar as people are parking where they please which is dangerous and inconvenient for everyone else,” Greensborough highway patrol Senior Sergeant Wayne Sully said.

“We understand people need to take public transport but restrictions are in place for a reason.”

He said commuters regularly double-parked and blocked other cars in.

Stretched police resources are also a concern with Sen-Sgt Sully forced to routinely send officers out to enforce parking.

“I can’t tell you how many fines we have issued in the past but the figure is ridiculously high,” he said.

Police say people who double park are creating safety issues. Picture: Ellen Smith

Commuter Lauren Crispo said she attempted to park legally but every spot was taken by 6.30am.

“I had to park in a no-standing zone and put complaints in to PTV and the council because both carparks were full,” she said.

Last year, the Leader revealed that police were dishing out thousands of dollars each day in fines at the temporary carpark alone.

@paulshapiro1117