Call for more parking spaces

By Bridget Cook
A CAR parking problem at Merinda Park railway station is driving a Lyndhurst resident crazy.
Gamini Fonseka, who catches the train from the station almost everyday, said there were not enough car park spaces at the station and something needed to be done.
Mr Fonseka said people were parking “anywhere” to ensure they got on their trains in time.
“I usually spend more than five minutes driving around looking for a park,” Mr Fonseka said.
“I have missed my train a few times because of it.
“Commuters need more space to park.”
Despite Cranbourne railway station offering more parks, Mr Fonseka said this had not provided much relief for Merinda Park.
Mr Fonseka raised a question at last week’s council meeting, calling for more parks at the station.
Councillor Amanda Stapledon said Merinda Park had a parking problem and had had for many years.
She said she had a number of residents contact her about the issue.
“The overflow of commuter cars park on the grass most of the time, however when it is raining the area becomes very muddy and cars are then required to park a good distance from the station,” Cr Stapledon said. “Adequate car parking is essential to accommodate existing commuters and to cater for the growth area including new estates such as Lyndhurst, Carlisle Park and The Avenues.”
A State Government spokesman said there were 180 car parking spaces at Merinda station.
“There are no current plans to extend the car park at this station,” he said. “Last year, the Cranbourne station upgrade project was completed, adding more than 400 extra spaces and bringing the total number of car spaces at Cranbourne station to around 700.
“The new Lynbrook station, which will be operating by the end of 2011, will feature 250 car parking spaces for the residents of Lynbrook and Lyndhurst.”