It will come as no surprise to those who frequent Westfield Carousel in Cannington that its car park has been named the riskiest in Perth.
A survey of more than 6,000 Western Australians, conducted by the RAC, has rated it as the shopping centre car park in Perth most prone to accidents.
Confusing layouts, sharp corners, and abandoned trolleys were the primary concerns raised by those surveyed.
Voted the second riskiest shopping centre car park was Karrinyup Shopping Centre, followed by Coventry Markets in Morley and Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre.
In regional WA, Bunbury Centrepoint topped the list, followed by Albany Plaza and Margaret River Central.
Thirty-six per cent of those surveyed believe car parks in WA are risky, with 75 per cent avoiding certain car parks altogether due to fears of being in a prang.
With the RAC receiving over 25,000 claims for car park accidents last year, an 8.5 per cent increase from 2022, RAC spokesperson Glen Walker said shopping centre car parks are a common hotspot for crashes.
“Shopping centre car parks can be a maze of frustration — crowded, chaotic, and often a test of patience,” he said.
“These busy spaces demand extra attention, so it’s important to stay alert, be courteous and patient and ensure everyone’s safety.
The RAC is advising motorists to reduce the risk of accidents in shopping centre car parks this holiday season by using public transport or cycling when possible, slowing down, and parking away from busy areas.
They also recommend being cautious when reversing, using indicators, turning on headlights in darker areas, and returning trolleys to designated bays.
