Perth, Western Australia October 13, 2007 Home News Time Out Letters Write a Letter Classifieds Search Real Estate Trades & Services Submit About Contact Us Advertising Legal	Hefty fines hit show parkers A day at the Perth Royal Show was more expensive than expected for some visitors, with 1273 parking tickets issued across Claremont during show week, from September 29 to October 6. The number was well up on last year, when 752 fines were issued during the same period. Claremont chief executive Arthur Kyron said people received a $105 fine for stopping on a path and a $45 fine for stopping on a verge, contrary to signs. In Chancellor Street alone, parking rangers issued 113 fines to cars parked on the verge, which had No Stopping road/verge signs. That adds up to more than $5000. Sunday, October 30, proved to be the busiest day for rangers, with 237 fines slipped under windscreen wipers. Mr Kyron said that of the 1237 fines, 146 were issued in the town centre this year compared with 104 last year. Parking allocations during the show were exactly the same as last year, and fines were issued only if vehicles disobeyed signs. The potential loss of the Shenton Road commuter car parking, which could be turned into residential housing as part of the North-East Precinct Project, could cause future problems for show visitors. "That is a long-term issue the Royal Agricultural Society, Town of Claremont and state government would need to look at in the future," Mr Kyron said. This year, Scotch College announced it would open its oval and provide extra parking. The school had been approached by the RAS to provide parking. A few days before the show, the school cancelled the parking after liaising with the council. A sign was placed outside the school reading: "Due to circum-stances beyond our control, Scotch College is unable to offer parking for the Royal Show patrons as advertised." Mr Kyron said the council did not forbid the school from opening its grounds. "The council hasn't said they can't do it. I said given that the school is for educational purposes, parking for the show is something that would need the council's consent," he said. "The principal decided to change the arrangements." Mr Kyron said he had also received concerned calls from property owners around the oval. "It's definitely something that needs to be looked at for the future," he said. RAS chief executive Martin Molony said the society planned to review the issue of parking in the next few months to see what options could be available next year. Do you have something to say? Write to us and we may publish your letter next week. BACK TO TOP < PREVIOUS - HOME - NEXT> Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Post Newspapers Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.