Chamber calls for waiver of recent parking fines
THE Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce is calling on the Toowoomba Regional Council to waive recent parking fines, citing the economic hardship facing the community.
The Chronicle reported on Thursday that council parking officers were continuing to issue fines this week, as thousands of people lost their jobs across the city and CBD businesses were shutdown by government decree.
Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Rohl said “in these extraordinary times, it is extraordinary that Council officers are roaming the streets of Toowoomba issuing parking fines”.
“Small businesses are crucial to the region and fining people who are buying goods from a local shop, cafe, restaurant or seeking professional advice on their financial future or local shop owners or tenants who are trying to adapt and survive, is just not right,” he said.
“Not right especially as there are currently many vacant carparking spaces available in the CBD.
“It is an insult to small businesses and Toowoomba residents supporting small business.
“Toowoomba Chamber had previously called on the Toowoomba Regional Council to give immediate relief by waiving fees, levies, permit fees and the like.
“We can add parking fines to the list.”
As he did on Thursday, TRC CEO Brian Pidgeon said current parking restrictions and parking fees would remain in place for the time being.
He did, however, say that parking officers “have now been given much greater discretion to issue warnings and to only issue infringements where absolutely necessary”.
“We are concerned that lifting parking restrictions and waiving parking fees would result in current offstreet long-term parkers migrating to prime on-street parking areas,” he said.
“Anyone who has received an infringement notice, and believe they have been unfairly dealt with, has a right to request a review by contacting Customer Service on 131 872.”