A Carlton resident is calling for parking fines to be refunded after a no stopping sign was moved on the Princes Highway at Banksia.
Peter Jenkyns is spearheading the campaign after his friend was booked for parking on the highway outside the Supercheap Auto store.
Mr Jenkyns said the no stopping sign was erected on a power pole halfway between the stores two driveways but it’s location had him questioning its position.
‘’I was a driving instructor, so I know a little about signs and where they should be,’’ he said.
‘’When we parked there I was thinking what had we done wrong? It was a Sunday and the clearway only runs Monday to Friday.
‘’It clicked and I thought there has got to be something wrong. That sign should not be there.’’
He rang the Roads and Maritime Services and a few weeks later the sign was moved to the edge of the driveway.
Since then he has pushed to have the fines issued at that location refunded.
‘’Were not talking about a couple of dollars. We’re talking between $50,000- $100,000 in revenue they’ve made,’’ he said.
‘’They would fine a few people every Sunday and they’ve been doing that for at least five to six years.’’
A Roads and Maritime Service spokesman confirmed the no stopping sign was moved around 20 metres north in September after a request from community members.
‘’The relocation of the sign has provided additional parking along this section of the Princes Highway outside of existing clearway hours and has not created a safety hazard,’’ he said.
He denied it was put in the wrong spot and said it was moved only after a request from a community member.
He said Bayside Council would be responsible for any possible refunds.
A Bayside Council spokesman said they didn’t have any figures for how many fines had been issued at the site.
He said fines would not be refunded.
‘’Whilst it was there it was the law,’’ he said.
