Parking priority

PARKING in central Dandenong and Springvale is set for a shakeup – but parkers could be paying more for the privilege.
Councillors on Monday night endorsed new goals and management tools in a parking survey report, and will now consult with trader groups and key stakeholders to develop strategies.
City of Greater Dandenong will consider reviewing time limits, charging for parking that’s currently free to encourage turnover and reviewing how off-street car parks could be made more attractive for short-term use.
It will also investigate the role new technology could play in improving compliance or making parking easier.
“Designing a way finding system that helps visitors find available off-street car spaces would also be helpful,” the report said.
Council officers conducted several parking management workshops with councillors in April and May to inform the report.
It found some areas in the Springvale and Dandenong centres were at capacity while off-street parking was underutilised, there was “considerable overspill” of car parking into residential areas, and parkers were overstaying time limits, reducing the turnover of spaces.
The survey said Noble Park didn’t need major changes, but would be monitored closely. It said the city’s growth brought issues with parking supply, demand and management.
“Every vehicle trip requires parking at its destination, so parking facilities are an integrated component of the transport system,” the report said.
“Parking that is difficult to find, inadequate, inconvenient or expensive may frustrate users.
“Such conditions can lead to parking overspill or result in motorists parking where they should not or staying for longer than they are permitted.”