How to beat Christmas parking madness in town

SHOPPERS are being warned to keep calm and take care when parking at shopping centres over the Christmas period.

SHOPPERS are being warned to keep calm and take care when parking at shopping centres over the Christmas period.

RACQ spokeswoman Lucinda Ross said claims from shopping centres cost more than $72 million in the past three years.

"Crashes and scrapes are common in shopping centre carparks year-round, but our data shows December and November are by far the worst months as people try to finalise their Christmas shopping, or just escape the heat," she said.

Grand Central centre manager Kathleen Hart said Christmas was always a busy time for the centre.

"Shoppers are coming into the centre in increasing numbers, getting ready for Christmas," she said.

"With major retailers including Myer, Kmart, Target, Big W, Coles and Woolworths, and over 200 specialty stores, we're a one stop shop for people's Christmas needs.

"With busy shopping periods comes busy car parks, however with about 4000 car parks available to our customers and a wayfinding system making it easier to quickly and easily find a parking space, this should help alleviate any parking pressures.　

"We do always ask people to be patient during these busy periods and show courtesy to your fellow drivers."

Ms Ross said RACQ had a few tips for motorists to reduce their risk of vehicle damage and theft when in carparks.

"With an expected influx of Christmas shoppers over the coming weeks we're urging drivers to exercise simple courtesy and always obey carpark signage and normal road rules," she said.

"It's important for people to take the time to completely secure their vehicles and make sure there are no bags or other valuables left in sight to tempt passing thieves.

"Treat your keys like cash, always keeping them in a safe, secure place on you when you're out and about."

Ms Hart said traffic management at Grand Central would be in place on the Clifford St exit during busy periods from Thursday to Saturday each week until the week of Christmas, then every day until Christmas Eve.　

Grand Central. Picture: Bev Lacey

Parking is free at Grand Central for the first three hours, and free for customers entering the centre after 6pm.　

Cinema patrons and customers who have spent over $150 during their visit to the centre can also validate to receive free parking.　

Parking validation is available at the Customer Service Desk on level one near Mecca Maxima.　

Grand Central will also be extending our trading hours from Sunday to give customers more time to shop.　

Midnight trade will occur on Thursday, December 20.

Originally published as How to beat Christmas parking madness in town