In June 2011, my partner went to town for an art class outing. As the class was catching the train at a particular time, he drove to Smithfield to park the car. His version of what happened (as he has a disabled parking permit) is as follows:
Parking at Smithfield Interchange
On Wednesday 22nd June 2011, I parked at Smithfield Train station, in order to catch the train into town for a class excursion. While there I noted that people were parking in the Disabled Permit places without parking permits.
My wife contacted Playford Council, who advised that due to 1) the signage not being clear and 2) that the car park is considered private property that they are unable to do anything about it people breaching the parking.
Upon their advise, we contacted Department of Transport, Environment and Infrastructure (DTEI), who advised that it was a council matter due to the car park coming under Council control. We advised them that Council had advised us to talk to them as it was considered a ‘private car park’. DTEI then advised to ring both Services SA and Playford Council regarding the matter.
Upon contacting Services SA, they advised that we needed to ring Adelaide Metro and Playford Council. They have also advised that we put it into writing for the DTEI as well.
My wife rang Playford Council and advised them of above. Playford Council maintain they are not able to do anything due to 1) the signage not being clear and 2) that the car park is considered private property that they are unable to do anything about it people breaching the parking.
Alan has raised this with council via the Disability Discrimination Committee that he is a member off. In addition, the following letter was also written to Michael O’Brien, our local member of parliament, and also Minister for the North (amongst other portfolios)
To Mr. O’Brien
Re Disabled car parking at Smithfield Train Station
I am writing in regard the car parking at Smithfield Train Station. Specifically, the disable car parking at Smithfield Train Station.
This morning, I went to Smithfield Train Station, in order to catch the train into town for a class excursion (I am a student at Para West Adult Re-entry Campus). I am in possession of a disabled car parking permit, due to medical conditions.
Upon arrival, I noticed that, not only was the car park was full, but people had parked in the disabled car parking places without having permits to park in these places.
My wife has spoken to Playford Council on the matter, and they have advised that it was the responsibility of DTEI to enforce the parking, due to 1) it being a private car park, and 2) inadequate signage being displayed they are unable to send inspectors to issue fines.
She contacted DTEI and after being put on hold several times, she was eventually told that it was a council issue. When she explained that she had already been in touch with Playford Council and they had advised that due to it being DTEI land and car park, they advised that she ring Service SA on 132324. After being put on hold for 25 minutes, she has left a number for them to ring her back. They rang back and they advised that it was a council matter. They also advised that we needed to ring Adelaide Metro. They have also advised that we put it into writing for the DTEI as well.
My wife rang Playford Council and advised them of above. Playford Council maintain they are not able to do anything due to 1) the signage not being clear and 2) that the car park is considered private property that they are unable to do anything about it people breaching the parking. From what they told my wife, Playford Council said that if they issued fines, and people challenged them in the courts, the courts would throw the fine out due to the signage not being clear.
I am bringing this to your attention as I live within your electorate as is Smithfield Interchange. Given the increase patronage of Smithfield Interchange over the last several years, this is clearly an issue that needs to be worked on, as a joint venture between Playford Council and the Department of Transport.
There is clearly a need for better signage by those working on the upgrades currently proposed to the train line and with the expected population growth in the area. It is all very well for the two tiers to state the other is at fault, but until they work together and fix it, instead of blaming the other, then people will continue to think they can get away in parking in areas designed for those in need.
Yours
This letter was dutifully sent to the local MP. We received a reply – we are now waiting to see if anything comes out of this. The main thrust of the response was that are additional parking places going into Smikthfield Interchange. I dont deny this - and that raised yet another topic as well. But for the moment, let's sit and wonder how an extra 200 parking places will solve the problem of there being no clear outcome on who excatly is suppose to be policing the disability parking spots at Smithfield Station and who isnt.
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