Eastland in Ringwood confirms paid parking plan is delayed to allow more online registrations

A MAJOR shopping centre in Melbourne’s outer east has delayed its rollout of paid parking in the wake of customer backlash.

Eastland has delayed the introduction of paid parking for another two weeks. Picture: Steve Tanner

EASTLAND has delayed the introduction of its controversial paid parking to give more shoppers the chance to register online.

The ticketless system was expected to go live on Wednesday but is now scheduled to be switched on two weeks later on Tuesday, June 28.

Eastland confirmed the change via a Facebook post yesterday.

The plan has been met with strong criticism from hundreds of shoppers, who have taken to social media to share their concern.

Last year a Maroondah Leader poll of more than 2500 people showed overwhelming opposition, with almost 80 per cent saying they would not shop at Eastland if they had to pay for parking.

“I used to shop at Eastland but not anymore — parking is turn-off,” one said.

Shopper Mary Carrazza said it didn’t make sense.

“You want customers to come to the shopping centre and because the majority of customers drive to the centre, charging them to park for the privilege redirects them to Knox or Chirnside Park,” she said.

RELATED: Ticketless paid parking at Eastland set to be activated

Judy Wood said when she visited, she drove around for 30 minutes looking for a park before deciding to leave, which took her another 30 minutes.

Staff have also complained about having to wait 45 minutes to exit the centre when shops shut at the weekend, and fear it will get worse when paid parking is activated.

One employee said traffic signals with short time frames meant only a few cars could exit the centre at once, resulting in “chaos” for those trying to get out.

“While we love the new shops we’re all concerned about the parking situation. It’s not even Christmas time,” he said.

When paid parking is switched on, the first three hours will be free and people staying longer will be charged anywhere from $3 to $30, depending on their stay.

People visiting Town Square restaurants and Hoyts Cinema will receive an extra free hour and parking with entry after 6pm is also free.

Staff will pay $4 a day and people with disabilities will be able to pay for free.

General manager Steve Edgerton said changes were made because many people still hadn’t had time to register online for ticketless parking.

“We’ve had a significant take-up of online registrations so far, with more than 1000 registrations from guests who wish to access the full features of our new parking system,” Mr Edgerton said.