Finding that elusive car park will be on the minds of many attending events around Canberra this weekend. Photo: File.
If you’re one of the many Canberrans to have received a parking fine lately, the ACT Government is getting on the front foot to alleviate the pain to your hip pocket.
Access Canberra staff will distribute flyers at the Jamison Trash ‘n’ Treasure markets this Sunday warning shoppers that they risk fines if they park illegally.
The proactive measure follows concerns from market organisers over unsafe parking practices such as parking in no parking and no stopping zones, in loading and taxi zones, and on footpaths.
Parking enforcement has become a sore point in Canberra recently after more than 200 parking infringement notices were issued at the last Canberra Raiders’ home game and licence-plate recognition vans were used to issue parking fines in school zones at Red Hill.
RiotACT is also aware of a number of grandparents who were fined for parking in a grassed area last Friday near Maribyrnong Primary School in Kaleen while attending grandparents’ day at the school.
Now, Access Canberra staff will be advising people attending the Jamison Trash ‘n’ Treasure markets this Sunday of free and legal parking nearby.
Access Canberra’s Director of Parking Operations and Traffic Camera Compliance Chris Seddon said there is no reason why people should risk a parking fine when there is free parking available in nearby Catchpole Street and Halloran Close, Macquarie, just 200 steps away.
“Access Canberra wants to change drivers’ behaviour and keep everyone safe in and around the markets,” Mr Seddon said.
“Licence plate recognition vans have been patrolling around the Jamison markets since December 2017 and, on average, issue 67 parking infringements for unsafe and illegal parking each patrol.
“I urge all market attendees to play their part in keeping themselves and the community safe by following the road rules and parking signs. There is absolutely no excuse to park illegally when there is free and legal parking nearby,” Mr Seddon said.
Parking will again be at a premium for those attending this Friday night’s NRL preliminary final at GIO Stadium.
The issue of parking is sure to be on the minds of many attending the NRL preliminary final between the Canberra Raiders and South Sydney Rabbitohs at GIO Stadium on Friday night.
An ACT Government spokesperson said Access Canberra is urging motorists to park safely and legally at GIO Stadium.
“Ensuring that motorists are parking safely at popular events is a key safety issue for the ACT Government,” the spokesperson said.
There are around 3,000 car parks available for public use at GIO Stadium with an ‘early bird’ parking offer of $7 for attendees arriving within 45 minutes after gates open. Parking is $10 after that time.
Access Canberra says this remains one of the lowest prices in Australia for stadium parking at major sporting events.
Up to 400 parking spots are also available as overflow parking at the University of Canberra which can be accessed via College St.
However, with Friday night’s game having sold out earlier this week, there will still be parking pressures for those who decide to drive to the game.
“Access Canberra recommends that Raiders’ fans utilise the free bus services, or if they need to drive to GIO Stadium, that they use all of the legal car parking options available around GIO stadium, which includes the large parking areas at the CIT Bruce.
“Access Canberra also encourages fans who drive to carpool to save parking space,” the spokesperson said.
“We hope everyone enjoys the game. GO RAIDERS!”
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