A parking mad idea
PARK and ride facilities restricted for Commonwealth Games fans have been left half empty because motorists fear being late back from events and finding their cars towed away.
The Get Set for The Games website warns ticket holders they have to catch a return shuttle bus within 60 minutes of the end of their competition session, otherwise they risk their car being removed and having to pay the cost.
Workers who normally use the park’n’ride opposite the Parkwood tram station, dropping off their cars to commute by light rail, are furious they have been forced to park in nearby streets.
Residents living along narrow roads like Greenacre Drive fear an accident could result, reporting several near head-on collisions since the introduction of Commonwealth Games restrictions.
Bonney MP Sam O’Connor told the Bulletin: “Closing the Parkwood car park has been a huge annoyance for locals.
“It’s been great for those travelling to events but even then it’s only for a select few. We’ve all been frustrated driving past and seeing it barely used.”
Mr O’Connor yesterday called on Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey to open up the car park for all users before the Games finish.
But the government maintains it is staging a world class event and opening up the car parks would stop ticketed fans from getting parks and public transport to venues on time.
“It’s caused chaos along Greenacre Drive and I don’t want local residents to have to suffer until April 17 (when it’s due to be reopened),” Mr O’Connor said.
Residents on Mr O’Connor’s Facebook page said non-ticket holders were boycotting free events at Helensvale, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach due to the lack of parking.
“Ticket holders who get to park free in the park ‘n’ rides have to return to the vehicle within 60 minutes of their event finishing,” a resident said.
“They just have to go home as there is nowhere else to park. Drive past the Parkwood station daily, never more than half full, if that. Drove past the park’n’ride on Millaroo Drive, Helensvale, today and it was less than a quarter full at 11am.”
The Get Set for The Games website advises ticket holders “you are required to catch a return shuttle bus within 60 minutes of the end of your competition session”.
“Vehicles left after this time – plus shuttle bus travel time – will be towed at owner’s expense.”
But parking sources said fans in reality had until midnight to remove their vehicles, and any towing did not occur until 6am the following day.