SHOPPERS are divided over new parking fees ranging from $3 to $40 that will soon be charged at Westfield Miranda car park.
A three-week trial of the new system will start on Monday, October 13, before coming into force on Monday, November 3.
The first three hours of parking will be free, with a fee of $3-$4 applying for the first extra hour before rising in ever-increasing increments.
The two sides of the debate were put by Marcus Taylor, of Blakehurst, and Bella Cass, of Sylvania Waters.
"I think they are getting a bit greedy," Mr Taylor said.
"They want us to help pay for their redevelopment.
"I believe the retailers are paying very high rents, and now we are going to be charged for parking."
But Ms Cass disagreed: "I don't think it's too bad, as long as they don't go any further," she said.
"Most people don't stay more than three hours."
PAY UP!
First 3 hours:Free
3-3.5 hours: $3
3.5-4 hours: $4
4-4.5 hours: $6
4.5-5 hours: $9
5-5.5 hours: $12
5.5-6 hours: $15
6-6.5 hours: $20
6.5-7 hours: $30
7-7.5 hours: $35
7.5 hours and over: $40
Debate on Westfield Miranda's Facebook page included the comment, "Damn you making us pay for parking now. It takes three hours to wait for the lifts in busy times".
Westfield said that using the ticketless, licence-plate recognition system, photos would be taken of vehicles on entry and exit.
"On entry to the car park, there will be a digital clock displaying your time of entry; remember the time you entered as you will not be issued with a ticket," the company said.
"When you've finished your shopping and if you're under three hours, proceed straight to the exit.
"The parking system will recognise your licence plate number and the boom gate will automatically open.
"If your visit to the car park is over three hours, head to one of the many pay stations, enter your licence plate number and pay the parking fee.
"Drive to the exit, where the system will recognise your parking payment and the boom gate will open automatically.
"Alternatively, you can register at www.parkwestfield.com.au from Monday October 13 to have your parking fee automatically deducted from your credit card."
The company said customers who registered online could receive free SMS notifications of their entry time and a reminder of their licence plate number.
EXCEPTIONS
Parking after 6pm will be free for everyone.
Customers with an authorised disabled parking permit will be able to park free all day, but will have to register once during the period of their permit.
Moviegoers will receive an extra one hour of free parking.
Staff working in the centre will have six months’ free parking after which they will be able to park free for 4.5 hours and pay $4 for any amount of time after that.
Click on the comment section below to have your say on the new parking fees or vote in the poll (above).