At Quantum Traffic, we’re proud to share a recent example of how our expert traffic engineering evidence contributed to a positive planning outcome in Victoria. Senior Associate Brent Hodges provided independent traffic expert evidence before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), addressing critical issues around car stacker compliance and user safety in a Box Hill residential development.
Case Overview
The case involved a proposal to retrospectively approve mechanical car stackers that had been installed in a multi-residential development. The system, as constructed, did not align with the endorsed planning permit, raising significant concerns about car stacker compliance, vehicle accessibility and resident safety.
Engaged on behalf of Whitehorse City Council, Brent’s role as an expert traffic engineer was to provide impartial, evidence-based analysis to assist the Tribunal in understanding the traffic and parking implications of the basement car parking layout and its deviation from approved plans.
Key Traffic Engineering Issues Considered
As part of his expert witness evidence at VCAT, Brent’s assessment examined several key matters:
Vehicle headroom and clearance limitations on lower car stacker platforms, restricting usability for a large proportion of vehicles.
Operational safety and accessibility challenges for residents due to constrained geometry and limited manoeuvring space.
Compliance with relevant car parking design standards, including Clause 52.06-9 and AS2890.1, and whether the system could reasonably meet the intent of these standards.
Practical functionality and user experience, assessing whether the design met acceptable performance outcomes for daily residential use.
Tribunal Outcome
VCAT upheld Council’s refusal to amend the planning permit, finding that the installed car stacker system did not meet the required design, safety or usability standards. Brent’s expert traffic engineering opinion was preferred on several critical matters, reinforcing the importance of independent, technically rigorous and experience-based expert evidence in planning and compliance disputes.
Quantum Traffic’s Expertise in VCAT Expert Evidence
This case underscores our capability in providing expert traffic engineering evidence at VCAT and other tribunals. Our team has extensive experience in:
- Car stacker compliance assessments
- Basement car park design reviews
- Traffic impact assessments for developments
- Parking layout and usability audits
- Independent peer reviews and expert witness reports
Whether for local councils, developers or planning consultants, we offer clear, unbiased advice that supports informed decision-making and practical design outcomes.
If you’d like further details about this VCAT car stacker compliance case in Box Hill, or to request a copy of the Tribunal’s order, please get in touch with our team.
Quantum Traffic provides expert traffic and parking evidence across Victoria and Australia, specialising in car park design, traffic impact assessment, and transport planning.
Contact us today to discuss how our expert witness traffic engineers can assist with your next project or VCAT matter. Call 1300 757 016 or get in touch with us online now.
