Parking crackdown

COUNCIL officers may soon crack down on illegal parking in the shire, particularly in Pakenham’s main shopping area.
Councillors will consider if more parking officers are needed amid concerns that able-bodied people are snapping up parking spots for the disabled in the town’s CBD.
Councillor Collin Ross, who called for the investigation, said too many motorists were ignoring parking signs.
“People have expressed to me that people won’t move out of disabled car parking,” he said.
“(And) it’s sad that some people think it’s their right to park in a one-hour park for six to eight hours.” Cr Ross said the wardens would be introduced as part of a six-month trial, working from 9am to 6.30pm if the proposal was approved.
Fellow Central Ward councillor George Blenkhorn said he would welcome an investigation to weigh up the pros and cons of the proposal.
The council’s corporate services general manager Neil Thorpe declined to give details about the monitoring of car park compliance because he was concerned that drivers would be able to use the information to avoid detection.
Councillors will consider the introduction of parking wardens at their October meeting.