BP’s announcement that it will initially be focusing on parking violations at its Archerfield, Eastern Creek and Wingfield sites has prompted many truckies to suggest other problem servos.
Interstate driver Wayne Rogerson told Big Rigs that the BP site at Epping in Victoria is “notorious” for trucks and trailers being parked for extended periods of time.
“We drivers have to sign a book to say we are parking for more than the standard length of time,” he explained.
“However, some people choose to use it as their own private depot – they even have mechanics come out to the site and perform services there!”
Rogerson said there has been a Volvo prime mover and an old bus parked at Epping for months without being removed.
“Yesterday, when I was there, the site had three single trailers and six B-double sets unhitched,” he said.
“There are also a couple of blokes that park their trucks at the site every day and put their car in its place in the morning, so they reserve themselves a spot for their truck in the afternoon.”
Rogerson also pointed to BP Tullamarine and BP Dandenong as sites that need attention.
“Tullamarine BP is also a site that is abused by people parking their trucks every afternoon, getting in their cars that they park there in the morning and going home.
“At Christmastime last year, I was using BP Dandenong and was told not to park my prime mover in the car parking area while I was resting or they would fine me.
“But for five weeks, there were four rigid tippers parked on site, taking up spaces that people like me need to use.”
BP Truganina is another servo that announced they would be cracking down on long-term parking last year.
But according to truckie Shannon Suttle, who runs between NSW Central Coast, Sydney and Truganina, parking is still very much a problem at the site.
“Trying to get a park early morning is near impossible between the Ampol and BP at Truganina.
“The arguments you get into because the local drivers are holding spots for their mates.
“Sometimes you end up going over your hours just trying to find a spot.”
He said there is signage on site warning about parking limits and towing, but he has never seen it enforced.
“You can report it to management and BP Complaints and all you get is ‘We’ll look into it,’” he added.
Meanwhile Adam Black said he wished BP Beresfield would follow suit.
“Parking here is hard to come by,” he added. “BP will take your $2000 in fuel, but heaven forbid if you want a shower or rest!”