By ANEEKA SIMONIS
CLOSE to two dozen traffic infringements were issued to poorly parked footy-goers at the weekend’s AFL match in Beaconsfield, and additional bi-law officers patrolled the streets surrounding the nearby Berwick Show during the chaotic traffic weekend.
Footy fever hit Beaconsfield on Saturday 27 February as more than 6300 attendees took to Holm Park Recreation Reserve in Beaconsfield to watch the Tigers defeat the Hawks, 104-33.
Cardinia Shire Council patrolled the streets around the reserve to ensure residents “were not excessively inconvenienced by the additional traffic in the area,” a release read.
In most cases, officers successfully ‘moved on’ vehicles before they parked illegally or obstructed traffic, therefore issuing fewer infringements.
However, 22 traffic infringements were handed out to drivers for parking on nature strips, obstructing footpaths or parking in the reserve.
According to council, infringements were only issued for “blatant breaches”, suggesting more drivers bent the law to catch a glimpse of the players in action.
Thousands also flocked to the annual two-day Berwick Show held at Akoonah Park over the weekend.
Berwick Show’s secretary Margaret Boon said there were issues surrounding drivers illegally parking in neighbouring residential streets.
“There is a huge impact every year,” she said, further explaining traffic bi-law officers were tasked with patrolling surrounding streets throughout the event to help minimise inconvenience to affected residents.
