Police continue to fine illegal parkers at popular 1000 steps walking track

VISITORS are continuing to park illegally at a popular Dandenongs walking track, with police issuing up to 15 parking fines every time they patrol.

Kimberley Seedy

less than 2 min read

November 8, 2018 - 11:55AM

Knox Leader

Police are warning of the dangers of parking illegally at the 1000 steps. Picture: Stuart Milligan

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VISITORS are continuing to park illegally at a popular Dandenongs walking track, with police issuing up to 15 parking fines every time they patrol.

Knox highway patrol unit commander David Young said they had huge problems around the 1000 steps, with visitors double parking and parking on the hairpin bend on Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, and in bus bays.

1000 STEPS: 40 ILLEGAL PARKERS FINED OVER EASTER

ARE THERE ACTUALLY 1000 STEPS AT THE 1000 STEPS?

“When the weather comes good, everyone loves to come up there and exercise and socialise and it’s a very popular place but it’s got limited parking,” Sgt Young said.

“It’s a real risk, we’re coming into fire season, if there is a fire in the Dandenongs we need to be able to access these roads without cars parked in no-standing areas or on blind corners.”

The 1000 steps is a popular walking track in Upper Ferntree Gully. Picture: Stuart Milligan

He said highway patrol officers regularly visited the steps to make sure the roads were clear in case of an emergency.

“Disappointingly they often come back having written 10 to 15 parking tickets for people parked all over the place.

“I hate writing parking tickets, but for me this is a bit of an exception because of the safety factors around it.

“If somebody breaks an ankle or has a heart attack we need to be able to get emergency services up there — illegally parked cars impede that and as such we’ll regularly attend up there.”

People parked illegally face fines of $161.