CHRISTMAS BINGLES

We play dodgems at centre carparks

THE lead-up to Christmas has revealed Toowoomba as the state’s carpark crash hotspot. Data shows the Garden City is ahead of shopping centres like Chermside when it comes to damages claims.

TOOWOOMBA motorists have been urged to take extra care when Christmas shopping after new RACQ data revealed it was the worst place in Queensland for shopping centre bingles.

RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton said the insurer had received more than $73 million worth of claims for car theft, crashes and malicious damage in shopping centres in the past three years, and the Garden City topped the list.

The bingle list includes scrapes and minor collisions through to more deliberate acts like keying paintwork.

“Almost 1000 shopping centre carpark claims were recorded in Toowoomba during that period, worth more than $1.6 million,” Ms Clinton said. Toowoomba had 917 claims over the three year period, miles ahead of the next-worst shopping centre for vehicle damage damage - Chermside - which managed only 609 claims.

“Our research shows 32 per cent of Queenslanders have returned to their car spot to find their vehicle has been damaged.”

Ms Clinton said December was one of the worst months for carpark claims.

However there were a few simple steps motorists could take to reduce the risk of vehicle damage and theft.

“Exercise simple courtesy to other motorists, always obey signage and remember normal road rules apply in carparks,” she said.

“It’s important to ensure the car is locked and bags and valuables are out of in sight.

“Treat your keys like cash

Almost 1000 shopping centre carpark claims were recorded... in that period, worth more than $1.6 million.

— RACQ spokesperson Kirsty Clinton

- keep them on you in a safe, secure spot when you’re out and about and never leave them in the engine.”