Locals fed up with footy fans illegally parking

Furious residents in East Melbourne have lashed motorists who are blocking their driveways and parking on nature strips during game days at the MCG.

Locals have accused the City of Melbourne of “not doing an adequate job” of enforcing parking regulations – with the issue also seeing dozens of cars parked at Wellington Park and causing “significant damage” to the ground and some trees.

“On Vale St, no standing signs have been ripped out and cars are parking on the nature strip,” East Melbourne Group’s Greg Bisinella said, adding the council was “not putting enough resources into the problem with too few enforcement officers.”

“Now that the football is back in force at the MCG, residents of East Melbourne are being forced to endure hundreds of illegally parked cars during events,” he said.

“We think the solution is a combination of enforcement and education of football goers. There is clearly not enough parking in East Melbourne to cater for large crowds.”

One resident said up to 100 cars on big game days were illegally parked on Jolimont Reserve between Jolimont Terrace and Agnes St.

The council said Wellington Park was considered a nature strip and parking officers had the authority to issue fines to any vehicles found parked there.

“We are aware that some drivers have started parking in Wellington Park on game days,” a council spokesperson said.

“The area is being monitored by officers closely, particularly when events are being held at the MCG.”

“We strongly encourage those attending the football to catch public transport or park in nearby off-street facilities.”

The council said parking officers patrolled East Melbourne seven days a week, with a roster of additional officers when AFL matches, and other events were held.

“On game days the main parking offences are overstaying the time limit and parking in a permit area without a permit,” the spokesperson said.

“Parking on nature strips and across driveways occur less frequently.”

However, residents say they are shocked that neither Victoria Police, the City of Melbourne, or the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) had not done “anything to avoid, stop or punish this, especially given that football parking falls to MCC.”

The MCC was contacted however it referred Inner City News to the council, saying the MCC managed Yarra Park and was not involved in the parking restrictions on city streets. •