Melbourne residents are expressing their indignation after a Coles delivery truck was seen parked in a designated disability parking space. The truck was snapped parked outside a medical clinic in the Melbourne suburb of Deepdene on a Monday, sparking unhappiness and disappointment.
The incriminating photo was subsequently uploaded to Facebook by an agitated pedestrian, accusing the driver of not possessing a necessary permit to park in the reserved spot and consequently depriving someone else who was in need of it.
The pedestrain voiced their frustration through a Facebook comment, “How long has Coles and ‘Nicole’ had disabled parking? While this delivery was being made, an individual in need was forced to search elsewhere for parking to attend their doctor’s appointment.”
Interestingly, the truck was standing opposite to a sign, validating that the spot doubles as a mail zone from 4.30pm to 5.30pm and functions as a disability parking space at all other times.
A representative from Coles revealed to the NCA NewsWire that their delivery drivers undergo rigorous training pertaining standard road rules, which includes regulations on where to park when delivering groceries.
In the wake of this incident, the spokesperson announced, “We are conducting a thorough investigation into this matter and will provide additional training where necessary to ensure such instances do not recur.”
The penalties for such transgressions can include fines of up to $192 for unauthorised stops in a disability parking bay without a permit and up to $115 for those parking in a mail zone without permission in Victoria. It remains to be seen whether this driver will face these penalties and whether Coles will improve their training procedures to avoid future incidents.
