Security controlled car parks soon available at some railway stations

15/6/95

Train commuters soon will have the choice of parking their vehicles in security controlled car parks at some of Perth's busiest railway stations.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today announced sections of the parking lots at Warwick, Whitfords, Edgewater, Cannington, Kelmscott and Midland would be fenced and patrolled by trained, uniformed officers.

Security cameras would be installed and alarm buttons provided in the biggest car parks to alert the patrol officers to any problems.

Mr Charlton said K C Park Safe had been awarded the contract to install and operate the six secure parking facilities on a 12-month trial basis.

The security controlled car parks would be opened just before the first train each morning and until after the last train at night.

"This is a significant move by Westrail to provide improved security for people parking their cars at railway stations and then travelling by train," the Minister said.

"It also provides additional security for people using the car parks late at night."

On weekdays commuters will pay $1.80 to park all day in the secure areas and 90 cents for up to four hours.  A flat rate of 90 cents will apply for admission during weekends.

A special parking fee of $1.50 a day will be charged for vehicles with three or more people in them.

Westrail's Acting Commissioner, Ross Drabble, said the secure parking areas were part of a range of new security measures to be introduced on trains, at stations and on surrounding land.

Mr Drabble said Westrail had made a commitment to improve security on the Perth suburban rail system and provide greater peace of mind for people leaving their cars at stations.

The first of the new secure car parks is expected to be operational in August.

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333