REVERSE CHARGES: Professional driver Jon McGinley believes a push to roll out more painted parking spaces across the central business district is an attempt by Orange City Council to revenue raise. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0503parking
A PUSH from an Orange councillor to roll out more painted parking spaces across the central business district (CBD )is an attempt to revenue raise according to a professional driver.
Truck driver Jon McGinley said he received a parking fine after being forced over one of the lines in Lords Place by a van that was parked incorrectly.
Despite having the fine dropped after lodging an appeal with the State Revenue Office, Mr McGinley said the system was flawed as it was too difficult for drivers to park in the lines when reversing.
“The last thing you’re looking at is reversing into those lines,” he said.
“It’s a different story if you’re driving into them like in Dubbo where it’s nose-in parking but when you’re reversing in blindly it makes it very difficult.”
Cr Glenn Taylor said the trial of painted lines in Lords Place had been an “overwhelming success” and he now wants Orange City Council to extend the system across the CBD.
“We’ve had plenty of time to assess the success of Lords Place and now it’s time to increase it to all the streets with 45 degree parking,” he said.
“The lines were a long-time struggle.
“I don’t see why we’re dragging our feet now.”
But Mr McGinley said he believes most drivers are courteous enough to park correctly and the lines and the stringent application of the rules is unnecessary.
“If your wheels are over [the line] you’re done, if one car is parked out and you park beside it you’re done,” he said.
“It leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
“When I drive up there I can count the cars that are over the line.”
Mr McGinley said he believes the system is unfair for drivers from out of town who are unaware of the strict policy and think the lines are guides only.
clare.colley@ruralpress.com