As the summer rolls on towards us and lighter mornings allow us to catch a wave before work, the issue of parking at Rest Bay before the car park opens has raised its ugly head again.
So, here’s the facts and words from the horses mouth.
The Car Park at Rest Bay opens at approx 7am. If its open – I suggest parking in there.
After discussions with the manager of the Civil Enforcement Officers – here’s the solution if you arrive before 7am.
Its not the councils intention to discourage early morning surf – but after complaints from disabled drivers, they have to keep the disabled parking bays clear.
Park anywhere, EXCEPT the disabled parking bays by the lifeguard station.
There will be a grace period between 7am and 9am, for those who are already parked when the enforcement officer opens the gate at 7am, when you will not be fined UNLESS you park in the disabled parking bays by the lifeguard station.
This does not mean it’s a free for all from 7am – 9am – it just means if you arrive before the car park opens – you will still be able to surf without having to worry about receiving a fine. UNLESS you are parked in the disabled parking bays.
If you receive a parking ticket and you are not in the disabled parking bays by the lifeguard station, please let me know.
If you receive a parking ticket and you ARE in the disabled parking bays by the lifeguard station, then tuff luck – you have been warned.
I think the council are being more than fair on this issue – so try hard not to abuse it, or we may end up with no where to park at all.