Commuter car parking spaces at brand new railway stations are bursting at the seams.
And a local MP despairs that with thousands of homes yet to be built in the new growth areas that straddle Campbelltown, Liverpool and Camden the situation could get even worse in the next few years.
Labor MP Anoulack Chanthivong, the state member for Macquarie Fields, says the commuter carparks of South West Rail line stations Edmondson Park and Leppington are full to capacity by 7.30am or earlier.
And, he adds, there are no immediate plans for expansion.
The situation is so dire at the stations – and across the south west Sydney rail network and growth corridor – that Mr Chanthivong has labelled it a “commuter car parking crisis’’.
“Our railway station carparks are overflowing, which is putting undue stress on commuters who are already juggling long travel times, work and other commitments,’’ he says.
“It’s simply not good enough.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Commuters’ needs are being ignored and the Baird Liberal Government needs to wake up and realise something needs to be done urgently.[/social_quote]
“Commuters are facing this crisis each and every day of the week,” Mr Chanthivong said.
“The reality is that the Baird Liberal Government puts development before people, and infrastructure planning at Edmondson Park and Leppington are woefully inadequate.
“People should be encouraged to use public transport, not turned off by the experience before they’ve even left the railway station carpark! It’s a disgrace.
“The car parking problem is only set to worsen as thousands of new homes are built,’’ Mr Chanthivong said.
“I call on the Government to give us actions, not more spin.
“I just want a fair go for commuters and my community,” he said.
