Photos posted in a Hastings community Facebook group showing sticker overlays on parking signs have sparked claims that parking conditions were altered with little notice around New Year’s Day, prompting backlash from residents and traders and drawing attention from Hastings MP Paul Mercurio.
The images show time-limit parking signage with time restrictions and operating hours, with part of the days section obscured by a sticker overlay.
STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council CEO Mark Stoermer and Mayor Anthony Marsh seeking clarification on whether any signage was changed, who authorised the work, and when it was carried out. STPL News has also contacted the ward councillor for Hastings, Cr Michael Stephens, for comment.
Sticker overlays trigger backlash
The posts appeared as Hastings experienced strong visitor numbers for the New Year’s Day car show, with locals describing busy cafés and restaurants and increased foot traffic through the township.
In the Facebook thread, several people alleged the sticker overlays were applied overnight and described the situation as a “money grab”. Others questioned whether any change to the days listed on signs affected how time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday.
Some commenters said they believed the sticker overlays were an attempt to catch out and fine people attending the New Year’s Day car show.
STPL News has not verified who applied the stickers. Council has been asked to confirm whether the overlays were authorised and, if so, who carried out the work.
What the original poster told STPL News
Les Bromage Jnr, who raised the issue publicly, told STPL News the concern was not simply that some parking areas were limited to one hour, but that sticker overlays were placed on parking signs across Hastings which he said changed the days the restrictions applied.
Bromage alleged the stickers changed signs to show “Mon – Sat” and said this meant the restriction did not apply on the New Year’s Day public holiday. He said many locals viewed the change as an attempt to catch out and fine people attending the car show.
“what they did was sticker all the street signs in town with a Mon – Sat time making it then not to apply for yesterday public holiday times. We don’t have exact proof yet it was them. But know one else would do it .”
Bromage said he believed the change was deliberate and said he would continue pushing for answers.
A Dirty act to try & fine people for yesterday just out trying to have fun.”
Les Bromage Jnr told STPL News in messages.
MP Paul Mercurio raises concerns
In a public social media post about visiting Hastings for the New Year’s Day car show, Mercurio praised the turnout and said the event delivered a strong lift for local traders, with cafés and restaurants busy and crowds in the township.
In the same post, Mercurio said the “one dampener” was what he described as newly set parking conditions, and questioned why changes were made shortly before the event. He indicated he would raise the issue with Council leadership.
Community concerns about trade and access
The Facebook discussion included comments from locals and business owners concerned about how shorter time limits can affect customers and appointments, particularly during major events when parking demand is high.
Some commenters argued the car show brings significant benefits to Hastings and questioned whether parking settings risk discouraging visitors. Others called for clearer consultation and communication with traders and organisers ahead of major events.
A separate comment in the thread also raised concern about the impact of one-hour limits on older residents using local services.
“yeah it’s not very fair for seniors that don’t qualify for disabled parking they have to keep moving their car especially if they go to a craft group or have a hairdressers appointment and it takes more than an hour you want people to use local businesses don’t you?”
The comment was posted publicly in reply to Paul Mercurio MP on the original thread.
Council says contractor signage contained incorrect information
STPL News reached out to CEO Mark Stoermer and Mayor Anthony Marsh.
Council responded to STPL News and provided the following response, attributable to a spokesperson for Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
“The Shire consulted with local business owners about new restrictions mid-last year. We understand that the timing may have caused some confusion.
“New signage installed by our contractor contained incorrect parking information. Once this was identified, interim stickers were applied to cover the incorrect details and we are working with the contractor on a permanent solution.
“Our current records show no infringements have been issued at these locations in Hasting over the period.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spokesperson.
Ward councillor contacted
STPL News has contacted Hastings ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens for comment and will update this story when a response is received.
