BP Somerton in Victoria has warned that parking is reserved for customers who purchase items or use the facilities, and they will not tolerate long-term parking.
A truckie recently took to the Facebook group “On the Pads – SA Edition” to share a poster that had been taped to a truck that had allegedly been left there for an extended period.
The poster reads: “Please be advised that this parking is reserved for BP customers only, who utilise general BP facilities or who have purchased fuel or food.
“You have been informed multiple times that this area is NOT intended for long term parking where you can leave your trailer and/or vehicle for the day or for an extended period spanning multiple days.
“Please ensure that you do not continue parking your vehicle or trailer here. This is your LAST warning.”
BP Somerton added that the truck parking is monitored daily and further action will be taken, including possible fines or towing.
Management have recommended parking on Stanley Drive, where there are no parking restrictions.
Meanwhile in Queensland, BP Archerfield has announced it will begin towing unhitched trailers and illegally parked vehicles from Tuesday, October 1.
Management have said they “understand frustrations around parking availability” and want to ensure that their customers have reliable parking options.
“We’re committed to resolving this issue,” they said in an update. “We apologise for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.”
A spokesperson for BP told Big Rigs that the safety of all customers and staff is their top priority.
“Ensuring truck drivers have access to parking for their compulsory rest periods is an issue impacting many sites across the country,” they said.
“BP is managing these issues on a site-by-site basis and asks that truck drivers are shown the respect they deserve by allowing them access to the rest areas.”
Big Rigs has been engaging with BP on this issue and should be able to provide more information soon.