A RESIDENT says the council needs to back off fining people for parking in the Cleveland CBD if it wants the area to prosper commercially.
Victoria Point resident Brigitte Anderson said she parked in what she thought was the Stockland car park behind Woolies only to be fined $85 by a Redland City Council parking officer.
She said she parked at 9am and returned to her vehicle at 1pm after being held up.
“I have always made a point of shopping in Cleveland,’’ she said.
“Not only do I enjoy the village feel but it is obvious by the number of empty shops that businesses are suffering from all the competition from Victoria Point.’’
Ms Anderson said she accepted that she had parked for a long period but was stunned at the size of the fine.
“I was fined once years ago but that was only $50,’’ she said. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw an $85 fine. It is no wonder people are reluctant to shop there.
“You would think the council should do their best to encourage shoppers to patronise Cleveland and keep small businesses going.
“Instead, they seem to be hell bent on crucifying this lovely little town which was once the hub of the Redlands.’’
Council chief executive Bill Lyon said the car park between Woolworths and Queen Street was council-owned and within the Cleveland CBD parking zone.
“There is a three-hour parking limit in this car park, with the time restriction signposted and enforced by council officers,’’ Mr Lyon said.
“Council provides free on and off-street parking across the Cleveland CBD.
“Those requiring parking for longer periods of time are encouraged to use all-day parking areas.’’
Parking has become a major issue in Cleveland, with the overflow from the railway station spilling into adjacent commercial areas.
This has seen Raby Bay and the Cleveland Sands Hotel threaten to tow away vehicles parked long term on their premises.
Ms Anderson said she had parked at 9am and returned to her car at 1pm.
Parking restrictions prevent long term and commuter parking in the CBD, which hinders access to local businesses.
The council provided parking for more than 750 cars, with disabled facilities and parents with prams parking at each mall entry.
