RAC survey uncovers riskiest WA carparks in metropolitan Perth and in our regions

As shoppers prepare to brave the crowds for last-minute Christmas shopping, Westfield Carousel has been revealed as being home to the riskiest carpark in Perth.

An RAC survey of more than 6000 people found the Cannington shopping centre was the riskiest for a crash, backed up by soaring insurance claims.

It was followed by Karrinyup Shopping Centre then the Coventry Markets, Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre and Kardinya Shopping Centre.

In the regions, Bunbury Centrepoint was deemed the riskiest carpark, followed by Albany Plaza, Margaret River Central, Northgate Shopping Centre and Pinjarra Junction Shopping Centre.

Rogue trolleys, bad drivers and confusing layouts are some of the issues that ruin a shopping spree for families, according to the survey.

Thirty-six per cent of those surveyed agreed that car parks in WA were “risky”, while 75 per cent said they even avoided certain car parks.

RAC spokesman Glen Walker said last year more than 25,000 insurance claims were made over carpark prangs — an 8.5 per cent increase from 2022.

“Shopping centre carparks can be a maze of frustration — crowded, chaotic, and often a test of patience,” Mr Walker said.

“These busy spaces demand extra attention, so it’s important to stay alert, be courteous and patient and ensure everyone’s safety.”

Mr Walker urged people to “avoid driving altogether” if worried about getting involved in a car park crash.

“Shoppers should allow extra time to find a park, check their mirrors and blind spots before reversing, and keep a lookout for pedestrians, other cars, and runaway shopping trolleys,” he said.

The insurance body urges anybody heading to a shopping centre over the festive period to “slow down and follow car park speed limits” following the rise in claims.

“Choose a parking bay away from an entrance and exit where there is high pedestrian activity, shopping trolleys and congestion,” the company said.

“Take extra care when reversing and don’t rely solely on your mirrors.”

Shoppers are also urged to return their trolleys to designated areas to ensure they will not block bays or smash into a car.

The full list of WA’s riskiest car parks:

Perth:

1. Westfield Carousel
2. Karrinyup Shopping Centre
3. Coventry Markets
4. Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre
5. Kardinya Shopping Centre

Regional WA:

1. Bunbury Centrepoint
2. Albany Plaza
3. Maragret River Central
4. Northgate Shopping Centre
5. Pinjarra Junction Shopping Centre