Frankston Council patrolling private carparks, issuing fines
THINK you can park at Bunnings without risking a ticket? Not at this warehouse — a deal has been struck to have council parking inspectors patrolling it.
South East
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PARKING officers are slugging motorists in private carparks in Frankston as part of a deal between businesses and the council.
Council officers are now patrolling the Frankston Bunnings carpark as part of a crackdown on Monash peninsula campus students.
They also patrol Chisholm TAFE, Dan Murphy’s and Bayside Shopping Centre.
Mayor Sandra Mayer said Bunnings initiated the deal to reduce the number of Monash students parking there while attending their nearby campus.
“Bunnings bears the cost of the casual officers employed for the patrols,” she said.
“Council supplies their uniforms and vehicles. All monies obtained from infringements go to council.”
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The patrols started earlier this year with 115 warnings issued and 145 fines.
“In April, at the start of the new term, the service was only required for one week when about 21 infringements were issued,” Cr Mayer said.
“Council has agreements with several private carparks to enforce parking at the property owners’ expense, including Chisholm TAFE, Bayside Shopping Centre and the owners of the Dan Murphy’s building.”
Andrew Forbes, Bunnings’ Frankston manager, said: “Parking restrictions apply to Bunnings Warehouse Frankston due to extended use of the carpark for purposes other than shopping at the store. Following feedback from customers, these signs were erected to ensure ease of access and convenience.”
Monash spokesman Adam Redman said the university had advised its students not to park at Bunnings.
Mr Redman was adamant the campus did not have a shortage of car parking.
“We provide permits for parking on campus but not all students use that option,” he said.
“We regularly communicate with students and will do so again, particularly for students of other Monash campuses who might park and then take a free Monash shuttle bus to another campus.”