Complaints about parking and traffic problems plaguing Mount Macedon have prompted authorities to tighten enforcement of restrictions as carloads of tourists flock to open gardens this autumn.
Macedon Ranges council has met police and VicRoads to discuss short and long-term measures to cater for increased traffic that has also led to concerns about rubbish-dumping, over-use of toilets and pedestrian behaviour.
Resident Jamie Byron said the number of tourists had spiked in the wake of a wave of media stories spruiking the area’s spectacular autumn trees and many open gardens.
Hotspots include Honour Avenue and Mount Macedon Road.
‘‘It’s been an issue for a long time, but the past few years it’s been an absolute disaster,’’ Mr Byron said.
He said the council had put up new no-standing signs that had helped, but traffic remained a major problem.
Mr Byron said that while residents fully supported private gardens being opened to visitors, they wanted the council to ensure suitable parking and amenities were provided.
He said a possible solution would be to have visitors park at Tony Clarke Reserve before boarding a tour bus to the gardens.
Council chief executive Peter Johnston said officers would continue to patrol the Mount in the next few weekends, issuing fines “particularly where private driveways are being obstructed and parking is occurring in no- parking zones”.
‘‘Council will liaise with relevant businesses to ensure appropriate measures are being taken for parking and toilets on site, as well as alternative transport options,’’ he said.
