A MORDIALLOC resident whose partner was fined for breaching a four-hour limit at Westfield Southland shopping centre says the parking signs are non-conforming and cannot be enforced.
The man, who requested anonymity, said the supposed breach of parking rules occurred in 2012 when his partner received a $70 fine.
She refused to pay and he wrote to Kingston Council to complain that the signs did not conform. It took several letters and photographs of the signs – as well as illustrations of what “proper signs” should look like – to have the matter quashed, he said.
The council replied saying it had reconsidered the fine and would “treat the matter as a warning”. But, sticking to its guns, the council refused to concede that the signs did not conform – even though it had backed down on the fine.
Kingston Council’s planning and development general manager Jonathan Guttmann told The News regulations required signs at entry-and-exit points of parking areas to meet required wording and design.
“Southland shopping centre has these signs,” he said. “In addition, further signage – which is provided as a courtesy but not required – is provided throughout the parking areas.
“The signs in question are courtesy signs only and correct signage is provided at entry-and-exit points as required.”
In his letter to the council, the man said: “None of the signs displayed in the parking area [near Coles] comply with Section 204 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2009.
“As such, it is my belief the fine has been issued unlawfully.”
While agreeing with council advice that motorists have a responsibility to carefully check parking restrictions prior to parking, the man said: “I accept this advice as valid but may I respectfully suggest that it is the responsibility of a government body enforcing parking laws to do so in compliance with relevant legislation.”
Westfield Southland shopping centre did not respond to questions about the parking signs before deadline.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 1 February 2017
