PART of the answer to parking problems at Frankston station could lie further north at Kananook.
Frankston MP Geoff Shaw says increasing the parking area along Bardia Ave near the Kananook station would ease pressure on Frankston.
“This is a viable option for reducing commuter stress concerning parking,” Mr Shaw said.
He said parking was Kananook was “very limited” with commuters often choosing Frankston station “simply to get a car park” or risking a fine by parking in private gardens.
“While the possibility of an increase in the amount of parking spots available at Frankston station is being investigated, an increase in quantity at Kananook is a reasonable solution which utilises land that is currently going to waste,” Mr Shaw said.
“With Chisholm students and commuters already stretching parking, the added traffic of the soon-to-be-completed aquatic centre will add even more pressure to the station precinct.
“The only option for Frankston station parking is to start building a multi-level complex, however this will need to have appropriate community consultation and is a considerably expensive solution.
“A better option would be to take advantage of unused land close to Kananook station before investing millions of dollars into a multi-storey car park here.”
Mr Shaw said Frankston Council had taken more than 220 car parks from the foreshore and station precinct.
“With additional lighting and added PSOs [Protective Services Officers] managing commuter safety at Kananook, this station could be upgraded to handle a higher volume of passengers for far less taxpayer-funded expense.”