Brimbank council officers and police are monitoring traffic concerns following the opening of Costco in Ardeer.
The retail giant opened its new store and petrol station earlier this month on Ballarat Road, with big queues of people keen to check it out.
While the new store has been popular, it has left many frustrated due to traffic issues on Ballarat Road.
Two Brimbank residents raised concerns at the April Brimbank council meeting, asking what council is going to do about the issues.
Luke Farrugia highlighted the Ballarat Road off ramp being banked up and Chatsworth Road being blocked off as issues.
Graeme Blore asked what steps the council was taking before there was a serious accident.
Mayor Thuy Dang said as Ballarat Road is managed by the Department of Transport and Planning, the proposal for the Costco store was referred and approved by DTP, subject to road upgrades, including a new signalised intersection, which were completed before opening.
The Brimbank Planning Scheme required 409 parking spaces; however, 743 have been provided, significantly exceeding the requirement.
“Following the opening, traffic and parking issues were observed in the area,” Cr Dang said.
“Council officers raised the matter with DTP’s movement and safety team and Victoria Police highway patrol.
“Victoria Police has been actively enforcing road rules, while council has increased local laws patrols, issuing infringements to address illegal parking and promote safer, more appropriate parking behaviours.
“Officers will continue to monitor the area and liaise with Costco, DTP, and Victoria Police as needed.”
Councillor Daniel Kruk said on social media that he had a number of residents reach out following the Costco opening with concerns about traffic build up, illegal parking, dumped rubbish and runaway trolleys.
He said council expects crowds to taper off over the coming months, while the nearby Sunshine Mosque will also have traffic enforcement support from council, especially for Friday prayers.
Cr Kruk said Costco has committed to a trolley collection plan and clean-up of nearby streets.
