Nearly two weeks after a Hastings parking signage dispute triggered “money grab” claims online, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council says sticker overlays were applied to cover incorrect details on contractor-installed signs, and that no infringements were issued at the affected locations “over the period”.
The issue flared around New Year’s Day after photos posted in a Hastings community Facebook group showed sticker overlays covering part of the operating days on parking signs near High Street and surrounding streets, prompting claims the changes were designed to catch out drivers attending the New Year’s Day car show.
What sparked the backlash
Community members alleged the sticker overlays altered the days shown on signs to “Mon–Sat”, creating confusion about whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday and raising concerns drivers could be fined.
STPL News spoke with the original poster, Les Bromage Jnr, who said the issue was broader than a single sign and claimed stickers were applied across multiple signs in town.
“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 .”
“We will get to the bottom of it.
A Dirty act to try & fine people for yesterday just out trying to have fun.”
Council response: “Incorrect parking information”
In a response provided to STPL News in writing from Council media, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council issued the following comment attributable to a spokesperson:
“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 Hastings over the period.”
Council did not specify in that response what information on the signs was incorrect, which locations were affected, or the timeframe covered by “over the period”.
Stickers removed and signs now show “Mon–Sat”
Since publication of the original story, STPL News has received updated photos from community members and businesses indicating the stickers have been removed from affected signs.
Based on those photos, some signs now read: “1P 9am–5pm Mon–Sat”.
Mercurio claims Mayor advised of a Monday to Saturday change
Hastings MP Paul Mercurio later posted a further update on social media (11 January), saying the Mayor contacted him and advised that High Street parking would operate as one-hour parking from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, with Sundays and public holidays not affected.
In his post on Facebook, Mercurio said he found the council’s actions unfathomable.
I find it unfathomable that it took until just before New Years Day to actually get around to making the amended changes. – four and a half years from when the decision was made.
I have not been given an explanation for this.
Mercurio also wrote that the timing and presentation of the taped or stickered signage “looked very suss”, and said further community consultation would occur.
Council has not provided a public statement responding to Mercurio’s post.
Discrepancies between Council and Mercurio
Council says the stickers were a temporary fix because new contractor-installed signs had “incorrect parking information”, but it has not explained exactly what was wrong or what the correct operating days were meant to be.
Mercurio, in his public post described a conversation he had with the Mayor, claims Council has since decided High Street will be 1P from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, with Sundays and public holidays not affected. He also says the “Monday to Saturday” wording was taped over and called the optics “very sus”.
“Stay loud!”
Said Mercurio in the conclusion of his post and presenting the change as a response to community feedback rather than a simple correction.
What do you think?
Was this a simple contractor error, or is Council using the contractor explanation to deflect community backlash?
