Chinatown parking crackdown

More than 100 parking fines were issued in the past 12 weeks as part of a crackdown on motorists breaking parking laws in Chinatown.

Shire of Broome rangers have been out in force recently targeting cars that overstay the two hour parking limit and vehicles left in non-parking areas.

A Shire spokesman said 146 parking infringements had been issued in Chinatown this year, with 120 of those handed out between May and July.

Shire of Broome Ranger coordinator Mark O’Connor said the majority of infringements were issued for not observing time limits, but have also included parking in ACROD bays without displaying a permit, parking on footpaths and parking on verges without approval.

Mr O’Connor said rangers were continuing to enforce parking laws for reasons of safety, economic development and pedestrian movement.

“With good numbers of visitors in town at the moment it’s important that everyone is able to find parking so they can patronise Chinatown’s restaurants, cafes, galleries, stores, post office and more,” he said.

“They also need to be able to move about freely without footpaths and thoroughfares being blocked by vehicles.”

The spokesman said there were 1270 parking bays in Chinatown – 904 of which are unrestricted while 285 have a two-hour time limit.

The remainder include ACROD, motorcycle and scooter, taxi and loading bays.

Mr O’Connor said the purpose of the two-hour limit was to ensure bays became regularly available so locals and tourists can find parking.

Broome Shire president Graeme Campbell said council was committed to maintaining and developing Chinatown as Broome’s commercial and cultural centre and that enforcing local laws was an important part of this.

“A range of improvements have been made in recent years in line with the Chinatown Development Strategy, and Council has successfully lobbied the State Government for $10 million in addition to the $2 million committed by the Shire to fund further work that will roll out in coming years.”