Transperth to trial public car park security system

28/7/93

Transperth will soon trial new security arrangements at one of its public car parks.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today part of the passenger car park at Transperth's Rockingham interchange would be leased to a private security operator.

Passengers would then have the choice of paying a fee to park in an area which would be constantly patrolled by security staff.

Mr Charlton said that if successful, the arrangment might be applicable at other locations, particularly on the Joondalup railway line.

"An important consideration in all of this is that we increase security at car parks without reducing the cost advantage of public transport," he said.

At the same time, Fastrak's electronic security surveillance requirements are being reviewed by Transperth and Westrail.

Video surveillance cameras have been installed at the Edgewater 'park'n'ride' and Leederville stations to assist Fastrak security and police in containing vehicle theft and vandalism.

"Transperth is looking to augment or upgrade existing cameras to overcome some technical problems," Mr Charlton said.

"Once this is done and after evaluation, the intention is to network the electronic surveillance system to provide continuous monitoring from a central area on the Joondalup line."

Mr Charlton said he had received letters from a number of Transperth patrons who had expressed concern about security for their vehicles in 'park'n'ride' stations.

"The Government is responding to those concerns but of course, train station car parks - like all parking areas - are exposed and difficult to secure," he said.

"Importantly, owners must take the same precautions in a 'park'n'ride' area as they would in a shopping centre or anywhere else.  Their vehicles should be properly secured to make it difficult for thieves."

Mr Charlton also urged cyclists to make greater use of bicycle lockers available at stations along the northern suburbs line.

He said they were under-utilised, with only about 35 out of more than 100 lockers on hire at any one time.

The lockers are designed to secure bicycles from theft and damage and cost $15.00 per month to rent.

Mr Charlton said that was about 69 cents per day, or about half the cost of taking a bicycle on a train.

The contact phone number for bicycle locker service in the northern suburbs is 480 5509.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333