Swan Hill Rural City Council is reminding the community that although parking meters are currently switched off, parking time limits and restrictions still apply.
Mayor Bill Moar said Council had started to receive complaints about people not following time limits and parking all day in front of businesses.
“In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Council switched off parking meters on 30 March. However, while payment is not required for meters, parking signage must still be followed,” Cr Moar said.
“This includes time limits on parking, as well as loading and disabled parking bays.”
Cr Moar added that although Council had previously been taking a lenient approach, parking time limits would start to be enforced.
“Parking turnover is important to ensure customers can easily visit local businesses and access services they need,” he said.
“People not following parking signage and time limits make this difficult.”
Council has begun placing warning notes on cars not obeying parking signage, advising that its Authorised Officers will be enforcing timed parking areas.
From Monday, 1 June 2020 Council will begin issuing fines to people not following parking signage.
Cr Moar said the easing of coronavirus restrictions from 1 June meant more people would be visiting local cafes and restaurants, retail stores and other businesses and services.
“Ensuring people follow parking signage is not simply about enforcement. This is also about enabling our community to support local businesses.”
