Millicent Spencer
Funfields has offered to foot thousands of dollars worth of fines after patrons on Saturday were booked for parking on the nature strip outside the park.
According to park management approximately 30-40 fines of $111 were issued to patrons, totalling over $3000, which the park will pay for in full.
Funfields managing director Angelo Dinardo said his staff did not direct patrons to park on the naturestrip despite a “mishap“ within the designated parking area.
“We were no where near capacity [but] there was a mishap within our carpark area,” he said.
“The cars weren’t parked correctly [because drivers] didn’t follow the marks [so] it made it difficult for patrons to park.“
Sunbury local Jono Scott took his family to Funfields on the weekend, and although he didn’t cop a fine, he said the park was “extremely busy”.
“We got there about 10.45am and they had staff in the carpark directing people to park,“ he said.
“It was so busy, it was ridiculous – there were way too many people.“
Mr Angelo said the council parking inspectors were only doing their job, so when he learnt patrons were upset after being issued fines he offered to cover the bill.
“The council was doing their job and I don’t have any problem with it,” he said. “That’s why we’ve offered to pay for the fines.“
A spokesperson from Whittlesea said council is committed to protecting the safety of visitors and residents.
“Parking on the naturestrip outside Funfields blocks the views of cars exiting onto the busy Plenty Road, and Council is urging patrons to ensure they are parked legally,“ the spokesperson said.
“Police were called to attend a traffic accident at the intersection on Saturday afternoon where a northbound vehicle struck a vehicle exiting the car park and a number of occupants were taken to hospital. Council will continue to work with Funfields in relation to traffic management to ensure that people can enjoy their time at the park and depart safely.”
Funfields is calling for anyone who was issued a fine on Saturday, January 28 to email a copy of the fine to: info@funfields.com.au.
