Ardross resident Frank O’Neill.
Camera IconArdross resident Frank O’Neill. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Council shows compassion by reinstating parking permits for war veterans

Aaron CorlettMelville Gazette

MELVILLE councillors have shown their compassion by reversing an administration decision to remove parking permits for Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) war veterans.

A motion from Cr Matthew Woodall to reinstate the permits as a symbol of respect to TPI war veterans passed unanimously on Tuesday night.

It means the City of Melville and nearby City of Fremantle are the only two metropolitan councils to offer the parking permits.

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Vietnam War veteran Frank O’Neill (71) fronted the council last month to ask them to reinstate the permits.

The Ardross resident told the Melville Gazette he was pleased by the council’s decision on behalf of the 200-odd TPI war veterans living in the City of Melville.

City chief executive Marten Tieleman previously said the decision to cease the permits stemmed from a belief that recipients could “use or apply for ACROD permits” to park free at council-controlled bays.

However TPI Association WA president John Kelly said not all TPI veterans were eligible for ACROD stickers.

City statistics show only seven valid TPI permits were issued by the City in 2017-18.