Parking slug looms

By Nathan Johnston
PARKING meters could be introduced to Springvale’s central shopping district.
The City of Greater Dandenong is reviewing parking provisions throughout the city, and while no decision had been made, charging for parking in Springvale could not be ruled out, according to city spokesperson Jill White.
“At this stage there is no firm decision on parking, but there are various strategies that are being developed that look into parking issues around the city.”
Ms White said an overview of parking would be completed and presented to the council next March.
Should the council agree, parking meters would be included as part of the Springvale Structure Plan, which is being developed to guide the longterm planning direction of the suburb.
The meters have been a permanent fixture in the centre of Dandenong, but the council has resisted the urge to introduce them to Springvale since amalgamations.
Springvale Central Ward councillor Youhorn Chea said he hoped it stayed that way.
“I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I won’t be supporting parking fees,” Cr Chea said.
But president of the Springvale Traders and Community Association Le Hoa Wysham said there could be an up side to parking meters.
“This is something that has been discussed for a few years, and it’s something that I would support, provided the fees that were collected were used to improve parking in Springvale.
“There is a limited amount of parking spaces available and parking meters would help with traffic rotation.
“What we’re looking for is a balance. There needs to be allday parking available for people who work in Springvale, as well as twohour parking spaces for people, for example, who are going to a hairdressers, and then areas for people who only need to be there for 15 minutes of half an hour.”
Ms Wysham said she would prefer the parking fees were paid directly to the council, rather than a private company where the money would be lost to the community.
“The council could use the money to create more spaces, improve the streets and the shopping centre.”
But Springvale retailer Wendy Wong said parking fees would anger many of her customers.
“A lot of customers have been already fined which has made them really upset. The council would have made a lot of money from them.”
Ms Wong said the threat of parking fines ensured vehicles were being rotated.
“The customers are so scared to get a fine. Some feel they have been given tickets before their time had expired, but they are too scared to complain,” she said.