Controversial fines prompt review of Mosman Park parking policy

CONTROVERSIAL fines imposed on people parked at charity events and a penalty imposed on a man for allegedly parking on a street for more than 24 hours have prompted a review of the parking fine regime in Mosman Park.

“A new regime was introduced whereas we were trying to change the way our roads were used,” Mayor Ron Norris said about the man’s fine at the meeting last Tuesday.

On February 14, resident Michael Hood was fined $75 for allegedly parking his Jaguar for more than 24 hours in Ecclestone Street.

Rangers claimed they had issued a caution and marked tyres with chalk five days earlier so street-sweeping vehicles were not obstructed.

At the meeting, Mr Hood said it was incorrect for the council to assume the car had not been moved because he worked at his Balcatta milk delivery business from 9.30pm to 3.30am and often returned to the same parking spot.

Despite assertions that chalk marks on the Jaguar’s tyres were untouched, councillors waived the fine because the initial caution may be proven.

However, alleged illegal street parking and the council’s failure to discretionary power at a series of charity events caused greater debate.

On March 18, six volunteers and musicians were fined by rangers for parking at a charity fundraiser hosted by Melissa Karlson at her Saunders Street home, attended by Curtin MHR Julie Bishop.

The fines followed about six guests being fined about $600 for parking at a charity event at the house on December 8, leading to concerns the street was being targeted by rangers.

The council subsequently organised alternative parking for future events, but Mr Karlson spent about an hour outside the house redirecting guests’ cars in the hour between their arrival and 7pm, when the daytime parking ban on the street no longer applies.

Mr Norris said the new parking arrangements for the event “unfortunately” did not include parking for people working at the fundraiser.

After intervention by deputy mayor Jenna Ledgerwood, who said the Town had previously encouraged charity events, it was agreed a policy be developed for the chief executive to suspend or alter parking rules for charity and community events.