In the June news released by the peak industry body for the Parking industry, Parking Australia, the association has expressed concern around the lack of consultation regarding the introduction of legislation by the Andrews Government in Victoria. This new legislation removes the ability for a private property owner to reasonably identify and seek to recover a fee from motorists who may have breached the terms and conditions on entering a particular parking facility.
The shift in this policy direction means there is no prevention to stop motorists who have ignored the conditions of entry into a car park. According to Parking Australia’s, Chief Executive, Lorraine Duffy, “there is no deterrent to stop motorists for example, blocking emergency exits, or perhaps the unauthorised use of spaces for disabled drivers, and parents with prams and seniors”.
In addition, vehicles who have parked longer than the designated timeframe can have a significant impact on shopping centres and retailers. Drivers that overstay, “have the potential to take up spaces which could otherwise be churned over up to six times per day”, mentions Duffy.
Parking Australia actively involves its members in best practices for parking management that a fair and equitable. As mentioned by Ms Duffy, “we are committed to raising standards in the parking industry via our Accredited Operator Scheme and we have invited the Government to engage with us to facilitate the delivery of effective and efficient parking without impacting on other sectors”. Parking Australia is developing a Code of Practice, which will clearly identify those car parks that have passed compliance checks and adhered to a series of consistent practices.