Bad parking blights central Melbourne as city council fields 20 complaints a day

COMPLAINTS about bad parking in central Melbourne have jumped in the past two years, with the council fielding on average 20 calls a day. See the most common offences.

COMPLAINTS about illegal parking in central Melbourne have jumped over the past two years.

The city council fields an average of 20 complaint calls a day, mostly in regard to parking at construction sites or couriers blocking laneways.

In residential areas, people are unhappy about those who overstay in permit zones or park in them without a permit.

Inner-city development has put more pressure on valuable street parking, increasing residents’ frustration.

Some examples of poor parking in central Melbourne. Pictures: David Crosling

@cityofmelbourne @bikemelbourne city wide vehicle just parked in front of me in the bike lane on Williams x Latrobe. How is this ok?!? pic.twitter.com/V5heOSebrg

— frightenedmouse (@frightenedmouse) September 1, 2017

COUNCIL NAMES AND SHAMES ILLEGAL PARKERS

BLITZ ON BAD DRIVERS

RECORD REVENUE FOR PARKING FEES

New data from the City of Melbourne show that in 2014-15, parking officers were asked to attend 4826 times. Two years later that number had risen 45 per cent to 7010.

Areas where most parking penalty requests were made were the city, Kensington, and North and East Melbourne.

Spikes in reports from upset residents also occurred in East Melbourne near the MCG, and in West Melbourne and Docklands near Etihad Stadium, during major sporting events.

Council spokesman Matt Smithson said there was an increase in construction projects across the city, and parking officers would ensure that parking remained safe and accessible for all users.

Some examples of poor parking in central Melbourne. Pictures: David Crosling

$155. Because no stopping means no stopping! Our officers are helping to keep cyclists safe every day. pic.twitter.com/TuGu3tLl8b

— City of Melbourne (@cityofmelbourne) June 16, 2017

The council has also made it easier to report rogue parkers.

Complainants can pinpoint a location via the council website or app, and the complaint is then sent directly to a parking compliance officer.

Council’s latest figures follow its crackdown on motorists clogging up bike lanes, especially during peak hour.

In June, parking officers nabbed 350 vehicles that had illegally stopped in bike lanes — double the total in May.

BLOCKED LANES RISKING LIVES

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said he was happy for the Town Hall to name and shame, via social media, any business vehicles that were blocking bike lanes.

Illegally parked on Little Lonsdale St, then @telstra motorist abuses me for signalling and merging into traffic. This madness must end. pic.twitter.com/sbp8UMEnjb

— Jerome N Rachele (@JN_Rachele) August 29, 2017

@cityofmelbourne @LordMayorMelb I found some #illegallydumpedrubbish on La Trobe St. this morning. pic.twitter.com/9eeRUxzMId

— Liger (@Liger) September 3, 2017

@Coles @cityofmelbourne driver used zebra crossing to get onto the footpath and parked. The parking zone is ahead where the car is parked. pic.twitter.com/vsNK8pG749

— Jake (@Jforced) May 8, 2017

Council data has also revealed that revenue from residential parking permits also ballooned by 86 per cent in five years, to $619,395 in the last financial year.

The council charges $25 for a first parking permit, and $100 for a second.

City transport engineers had monitored demand for, and supply of, on-street parking, Mr Smithson said.

“Residential parking permits are not available to new apartment developments and buildings where the ­planning approval does not provide for off-street parking,’’ Mr Smithson said.

Recent council financial reports also show that parking meter revenue had pushed up the council’s parking fees revenue to a record $50 million a year.

But fewer parking tickets were issued in the last financial year, which snipped $3.8 million off the council’s budget.

@IanRoyall

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