Warnbro Centre shoppers warned

The City of Rockingham has reminded drivers that parking against the flow of traffic is illegal, after several fines were recently issued outside the Warnbro Centre.

The Sound Telegraph was contacted by people hit with $65 fines along the Warnbro Sound Avenue entrance to the centre, with many saying they had never been warned, let alone fined, for parking against traffic in the parallel parking bays directly outside the centre.

The City said the fines were not part of a recent crackdown on drivers, but Mayor Barry Sammels said parking against the flow of traffic was an offence.

“Parking against the flow of traffic is not safe and it is highly likely that any vehicle parking in this manner has had to drive on the wrong side of the road to do so,” he said.

“Our roads and vehicles, with their various mirrors, lights and reflective lenses, are not designed for this type of driving or parking behaviour.

“It’s even more dangerous at night and/or if a car is parked directly next to you.”

Mr Sammels said that when issuing infringements or cautions at the Warnbro Centre, or at any other location, the City’s Rangers were “empowered” to use their discretion based on time, place and circumstance.

“It is important to highlight that in years gone by this type of offence was more common across the City,” he said.

“However, thanks to education and enforcement, parking behaviour has improved and we are now seeing fewer people parking against the flow of traffic.”