Greater Dandenong regulatory services manager Peter Shelton is urging the community to not assault parking officers in the line of duty. 22659
By Shaun Inguanzo
GREATER Dandenong parking officers are under attack from angry motorists.
The council has urged motorists to respect the work of parking officers, after one was savagely beaten while handing out a ticket in central Dandenong on Thursday 4 September.
It is the third incident in three years, Greater Dandenong CEO John Bennie said.
“Greater Dandenong Council is very concerned about the number of violent attacks on parking officers in the city in the past 12 months,” he said.
“The most recent incident occurred two weeks ago and the matter is currently being investigated by local police.
“In the past year, three people have been charged with assaulting parking officers in Greater Dandenong.
“On each occasion the matters have gone before the courts and convictions have been recorded.
“Fines of up to $1000 were also issued.”
Mr Bennie said parking officers had a tough job to do – but it was simply their work and nothing personal.
“Parking officers face a difficult job but they have the right to do it without fear of abuse, harassment or assault,” he said.
“Parking officers are there to ensure that public amenity and order are maintained – often through compliance with parking rules.
“Their job requires them to maximise road safety and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to find a car park.”
Mr Bennie said the council would not stand for violent behaviour towards parking officers.
“Council takes abuse and assaults of its staff very seriously and will not tolerate this kind of behaviour,” he said.
“Under no circumstance should parking officers be victimised for doing their job.”
