Coast visitors in fine mess over faulty parking meters

THIS is a letter we sent to Gold Coast City Council regarding a $75 parking infringement notice.

We find this matter very depressing. The Gold Coast that we all love, used to be a user friendly place. We remember the lovely Mayor Bruce Small that would do anything to attract tourist to the Gold Coast.

“Enclosed please find my cheque dated April 3 in settlement of the above notice.

“As this letterhead states, I am the general manager for Queensland for the Anglican Men’s Society, an integral part of the Anglican Church.

“As copies of this letter will be sent to both your council and the

Gold Coast Bulletin, I take the liberty to clarify our request for withdrawal of the notice.

“On Saturday March 17 my wife and I drove to St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Southport to attend a meeting regarding our annual Queensland Conference to take place on May 25, 26 and 27.

“After the meeting we drove over to the Woodroffe Hotel to book rooms for the conference.

“We parked in White Street next to the hotel.

“With us were Mr Richard Woolland and Mr Shane Inglis from our St. Peter’s branch.

“We all tried to insert coins in the parking meter with no success. When we returned from the hotel we found the infringement notices to our surprise. Mr Wolland videotaped our efforts to pay by coin.

“We did not try to pay with a credit card as we thought that would be ridiculous for just ½ hour’s parking.

“In my home town of Ipswich, we do not have to pay if the meter will not take coins.

“I was so angry at your refusal to withdraw, that I wanted to cancel the conference and move it to another town. Unfortunately time does not allow this.

“Well, you had a ‘dirty’ win and are probably laughing all the way to the bank.

“We are not, and I can assure you that any of our future conferences will NOT be held at the Gold Coast. At each conference we spend many thousands of dollars, but after May – NO MORE at the Gold Coast.

“Since your notice we have spoken to other people who have also had experience with parking meters in your city. We used to love the Gold Coast, but something is rotten in your council. Look how you treat the Meter Maids who are a great tourist attraction.

“Shame on you!”