Casey mayor Kevin Bradford says the recent introduction of coin-operated trolleys has already reduced the number of abandoned carts throughout the city.By Alison Noonan
ABANDONED shopping trolleys are history in Casey following the recent introduction of coin-operated mechanisms in all local supermarkets.
The City of Casey last week became the first Victorian council to impose a new local law on traders requiring the installation of coin-operated trolleys.
The move is hoped to reduce the amount of “trolley litter” cluttering the city’s streets by encouraging users to return their trolleys to supermarket bays where they will be refunded.
Councillors agreed to the change in September last year after calls from mayor Kevin Bradford to remove the “eyesores” from public view.
Cr Bradford this week said the new law, which came into effect on 1 March, had already seen a marked improvement in the number of dumped trolleys.
“I have spoken to staff at Coles and Safeway in Centro Cranbourne Shopping Centre and they say the new system is going well,” he said.
“They have noticed a vast improvement in the availability of trolleys for customers.
“There are now more trolleys on hand inside the supermarket and less left lying around outside.”
Cr Bradford said the benefits of coin operated trolleys outweighed the negatives.
He encouraged shoppers to carry loose change to avoid inconvenience.
“Customers aren’t too put out by it. Most people are aware the service is now in place and just have to remember to have coins ready with them.
“Many supermarkets have also purchased brand new trolleys, which will be great for customers,” he said.
Cr Bradford said other Victorian councils were looking to follow Casey’s lead and enforce coin-operated mechanisms on traders.
“This is another initiative of Casey’s that other councils are wanting to emulate.
“No longer will Casey suffer from abandoned trolleys littering its streets, parks and creeks and causing potential damage to parked cars around shopping precincts.
“Not to mention the health hazards abandoned trolleys present to shoppers and young children, as well as people using the handles as weapons,” he said.
