Fine fix for loading bay

A Rockingham business owner who was frustrated he and his customers had copped multiple fines in a loading bay outside his store has taken matters into his own hands, rebranding the spot as customer parking.

Instant Cash director Ryan Robinson told the Telegraph last month that an “overzealous” ranger had been issuing fines to customers and staff that were using the loading bay.

Instant Cash is located just outside the Rockingham Centre, off Chalgrove Avenue, with the centre’s management using City of Rockingham rangers to enforce parking signs.

After his customers complained about getting a number of fines, Mr Robinson decided to paint the bay as “customer parking”.

“I submitted a proposal to the council that I would change it from a loading zone to a customer-only parking bay and they told me they agreed with it,” he said.

“Customers of ours are welcome to park here now and they should be confident that they’re not going to get a fine.

“I’m happy the issue has been resolved. But I’m still astounded by the fact that it (the loading bay) was there for five years and we never had any problems until recently.”

Mr Robinson said he would be contesting two fines that he received, while a woman in her 90s will also be contesting a fine.

City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels previously told the Telegraph that evidence was collected before any infringements were issued and any fine could be appealed.

“The City has a formal online appeals process which is available for anyone who believes they have been incorrectly issued an infringement or has grounds they believe warrant consideration for the withdrawal of an infringement, ” he said.

“It is the right of any person who receives an infringement to elect to contest the matter before a court of law.

“The City will investigate the writer’s claims and respond in due course.”