More than 1600 parking fines are being issued every week across Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong, with the number of people caught illegally parking in disabled bays rising sharply.
Council figures show more drivers are being fined this financial year than in the previous 12 months. The number of fines for people illegally parking in disabled bays already exceeds last year’s total.
In Maribyrnong, there have been 44,721 parking fines issued since last July, including 986 for parking in an area for people with disabilities. This is up from 624 such fines in the previous 12 months, out of a total of 60,229 fines.
Hobsons Bay council has issued 14,335 parking fines this financial year to date, 193 of those for able-bodied drivers parking in a disabled bay.
The previous year, 17,956 fines were issued, 180 for stopping in a disabled bay.
Hobsons Bay mayor Colleen Gates said the number of people wrongfully taking up disabled spots was still relatively low.
“Illegal parking in disabled carparks does happen in Hobsons Bay, although it only represents about one per cent of the parking infringements from the last year,” she said.
“If a Hobsons Bay local laws officer finds a vehicle parked without displaying an appropriate permit, then an infringement will be issued.”
Drivers risk fines of up to $148 for illegal parking.
