Cara Waters

Oversized utes take up more space on roads, pollute more and are less safe for other road users, but a parliamentary inquiry will consider whether charging them more than other cars using Melbourne's toll roads is unfair.

The increasing popularity of giant utes is prompting a parliamentary inquiry to consider reducing the amount they are charged to use Melbourne’s toll roads.

A plan to scrap permits and install permanent infrastructure on the grassy parkland surrounding the Melbourne Cricket Ground has sparked a row with local residents about the purpose of Yarra Park.

Local Government Minister Paul Hamer says the lessons of previous scandals have been heeded, but new integrity laws do not include a crackdown on developer donations.

Fans breached one barrier bursting past security guards who could only look on helplessly. They were met by police and guard dogs.