By Jolene Ogle
COUNCILLOR Brian Stockwell last week said council’s transport policy could see Noosa become the scooter capital of Queensland, but local riders are saying council needs to “relax” before that could happen.
Noosa Waters resident John O’Grady loves to ride his scooter throughout the shire but said “over-zealous” parking inspectors were taking the shine off the environmentally-friendly transport option.
Mr O’Grady said he used to try and park “out of the way” when visiting busy centres such as Hasting Street and the river foreshore, but since he and a friend were fined $88 for parking near a bicycle stand he has been forced to take up an entire car park.
“Over-zealous parking officers fining scooter riders for parking in anything other than a ‘designated spot’ now sees many of us taking up a whole car space to save being fined,” he said.
“It’s just crazy and unpractical for the sake of simply parking on the grass, out of the way of anything and leaving roadside parking for cars.”
Mr O’Grady said taking car park spaces to create more scooter parking wasn’t the solution.
“Council needs to relax,” he said.
“It is blatant and unpractical revenue raising … other places like even the City of Melbourne allow motorcycles to park on the nature strip or grassed areas to leave room for car parking on the roadways,” he said.
“The upshot of Noosa Council’s silly scooter-fining policy will only see less practical car loads of people being able to find a park and more annoyed and frustrated motorists looking at scooters taking up a whole car space.”
Noosa Heads officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said police could also fine motorists for parking outside of designated parking spot but the fine is $48 compared to council’s $88.
Sen Sgt McReight said the police often left parking fines to council.
A Noosa Council spokesperson has said Council provided additional motorcycle parking at Sunshine Beach and Peregian Beach in response to calls from the community.
“Last year, in consultation with the Hastings Street Association, council provided some extra motorcycle spaces on Hastings Street.
“If there is no designated motorcycle parking available, riders are welcome to park in a standard vehicle space. A standard vehicle space can accommodate more than one motorcycle,“ the spokesperson said.
When considering requests for additional motorcycle parking, council said staff would take into account the location, the space available and demand for parking.
Council fines for parking outside of a marked space is $60. Parking on a nature strip attracts a $91 fine, while parking in a park may cost the driver/rider up to $243.
