MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has buckled under pressure and introduced some changes to its controversial paid parking trial after receiving a backlash from businesses and drivers.
It is believed the council has introduced a 50 per cent discount for people who pay through the PayStay App, and also recently offered a 24-hour grace period from the date of parking. But a popular waterside Mornington restaurant which has spearheaded a petition to the state government is calling for a bigger revamp of the parking trial. Robert De Santis, who owns The Rocks restaurant and a separate cafe next door, at Schnapper Point, Mornington, claims paid parking is turning away up to one quarter of customers and hurting delivery companies, transport drivers, and patrons.
The parking trial operates under a video number plate recognition system that only allows 15 minutes from entry at the Esplanade to exit before an infringement is sent by mail. This is not stated on any signs and De Santis believes the concept is “fraudulent” and traps people looking for a spot, doing a commercial delivery, awaiting a takeaway service or assisting a disabled or elderly person.
Mornington MP Chris Crewther, who sponsored the petition to parliament, noted that petitioners stated to the Legislative Assembly that the parking trial started is having “grave negative effects” on small business, local residents, families and visitors, and that “Business sale declines of up to 20 per cent, numerous negative reviews, fines and complaints have presented to local councillors, its CEO and relevant shire teams with little response or concern”.
The nine-month paid parking trial has been running since 1 December last year at Schnapper Point, Mornington, Sunnyside Breach, Mount Eliza and near Flinders pier. Owner of The Rocks restaurant Robert De Santis said any paid parking scheme should “make it easy” for drivers to get to their preferred destination, as opposed to the “difficulties” facing drivers wanting to park in the three foreshore parking areas.
“In December 2023, we noticed a 23 per cent drop in patronage, and most of them say the parking is too hard,” he said. “To be clear, I understand being in business that revenue is required to maintain expenses, hence the council seeking a revenue stream. Paid parking can work if it is fair, transparent, and accessible, but I don’t feel these three measures are being achieved.” “The online e-permit process is clunky and the 24 hour grace period for residents with registrations in eligible areas should be three days, like road tolls,” De Santis said. He suggested “tap and go” options would be easier for drivers.
To sign the petition, go to parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/mornington-peninsula-paid-parking-pilot-programme
First published in the Mornington News – 2nd April 2024
