By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
WORKERS at Dandenong Plaza fear for their safety after being forced to vacate prime customer parking spaces and park in the plaza’s top deck.
In an attempt to deter all-day parkers, plaza mangers restricted parking to five hours in August – with the exception of all-day parking on the top level of their Foster and Clow street car parks.
Top-deck parking costs $4 a day, but is free for plaza workers who hold a permit.
One of the plaza workers, who does not wish to be named, says many female workers don’t feel safe walking to their cars for early and late shifts.
The worker said many were unnerved by cars being vandalised and groups of young people congregating in the top-floor car parks, and wished to be able to park all-day on other levels of the car park.
As of last week, 92 workers had signed a petition – to be handed to plaza management – that claimed the “unsavoury type of people” out at 5am made it “extremely dangerous” for staff.
“Considering the dangers at that hour of the morning and the fact that there is no security there, you are putting staff safety in jeopardy.
“If we park in the 5-hour limited parking we have to run out and move our car … to another level. This is absolutely ridiculous and time-wasting for everyone.”
The Journal spoke with several workers returning to their cars on a weekday evening who affirmed the commonly-held fears.
“If they want us here on level five, hire a full-time security guard. Otherwise let us park where we like.”
The move has also angered nearby traders, who used to park at the plaza for free.
Iftikhar Baig, who owns a business in the nearby Hub Arcade, said free trader parking was essential for their survival.
“Businesses are struggling and a lot of people are closing or moving their businesses from Dandenong because of hectic traffic and parking issues.
“I think the council also need to understand that if they want to grow Dandenong as a CBD then they need to provide some support to local traders as well.”
Dandenong Plaza centre manager Mark Tannahill said security had been beefed up for the top level. Changes include refurbishing external lighting, a security patrol car after 5pm and a closed-circuit security video system.
Staff can phone for a security escort to accompany them from their store to their car, Mr Tannahill said.
“The amalgamation of all-day parkers on level five of our Foster and Clow street car parks means that these car parks will be busier.”
He said the plaza had made the moves to increase parking spaces for customers.
“The Dandenong CBD is becoming busier each year and that has increased the number of all-day parkers, who are not shopping at Dandenong Plaza, but are still taking up prime spaces in the car park.“Centre management has an open door policy and any changes to the car parking system that may be suggested will be considered.”
The plaza’s strategy got backing from Dandenong Retail Traders Association president Glenys Cooper, who says more convenient customer parking is needed in the CBD.
