Emergency situation
DON'T CARE ATTITUDE
Motorists parking in an emergency vehicle zone outside the Village Shopping Centre in Port Douglas could face hefty fines of more than two hundred dollars if caught.
The consequences of such illegal parking extend beyond monetary penalties, they could potentially lead to life-threatening situations if emergency vehicles are hindered from reaching their destinations promptly.
Local authorities have expressed their disappointment at the blatant disregard for public safety exhibited by some drivers, who seemingly prioritize convenience over the well-being of others.
Although Newsport observed only one vehicle parked in the emergency zone during our investigation, it’s not uncommon for the area to be occupied by numerous motorists while running errands or shopping at nearby businesses, such as Coles.
Sgt Damian Meadows, in charge at Port Douglas Police, highlighted the significance of these designated emergency vehicle zones and urged motorists to respect their purpose.
"There have been instances where ambulances were forced to double-park on Macrossan Street due to cars occupying the emergency zone, causing delays in critical patient transportation between the Village Medical Centre and Mossman Hospital," he said.
Council responsibility
Police says parking control and issuing fines in Macrossan Street is in Council's jurisdiction so are they policing it? Newsport contacted the Douglas Shire Council to put these questions to them.
Is Council enforcing this zone with fines if need be?
Yes.
How much is the fine?
Fines range between $61 and $232
In the last 12 months how many people have been fined when they have parked in that zone?
From August 2022 until May 2023 there were 15 traffic-related infringements issued in Douglas.
From May 2023 until today there has been 30 traffic-related infringements issued in Douglas.
Please be responsible
The authorities emphasize the importance of complying with parking regulations, particularly in emergency vehicle zones, to ensure the safety and timely response of those services. Motorists are urged to exercise responsible parking practices and avoid obstructing critical access points for emergency vehicles.