By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
SPRINGVALE’S controversial parking ticket machines have been attacked by vandals within days of their installation.
According to Greater Dandenong Council, 24 of the machines in the shopping district had been struck by a “blunt object” – such as a hammer – overnight on 9 November.
Most of the machines – which had only been operating for five days – appear to be working but instructions on their damaged digital screens can’t be read, the council stated.
Mayor Heang Tak, once a vocal critic of the machines, said the council was disappointed in the vandals’ “malicious actions”.
Cr Tak said the culprits may be identified on private CCTV footage, and that police were investigating the matter.
He said funds raised by the meters for improving the shopping district would be diverted to the estimated $18,000 in repairs.
“It is of paramount importance now that we get the machines repaired and quickly back on track in making Springvale even more ‘sensational’ through planning and implementing streetscape upgrades in this exciting activity centre.”
In July, Cr Tak criticised the $500,000 installation of the meters as damaging for local businesses.
“With the economy not going well, this is what the traders need least,” he said at the time.
Springvale Asian Business Association did not condone the vandalism but stood by its claims that the meters were unpopular with traders.
Greater Dandenong Council have been issuing parking infringement warning tickets as part of an initial grace period.
The damaged machines are in Warwick Avenue, the Warwick Avenue North Car Park, Buckingham Avenue, Balmoral Avenue, Windsor Avenue and St Johns Avenue.
