The ongoing discussions have come to light after the gate was tampered with this week, and went through the windscreen of a motorist.

On Thursday night, the gate swung open as a car was using the ramp. It pierced the car but the female driver was uninjured.

Council manager of property services Daniella McClure said the gate's lock had been tampered with, which resulted in the gate being left swinging.

"The city was informed (of the incident on Friday) morning by Victoria Police," she said.

"In this instance, it appears someone has tampered with the lock and the gate has been left swinging. As the driver turned to go up the ramp, they have driven into the gate. Our priority is to determine how the lock was compromised."

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The Lyttleton Terrace car park gate was installed in December, 2018, to stop cars and people using the second-storey of the Coles car park after hours.

The gate has remained in a locked, open position since its installation almost a year ago.

Ms McClure said discussions around whether council or Coles should be responsible for the gate have been ongoing.

"The gate has always been locked in the open position until such time as roles and responsibilities were finalised with Coles," she said.

"The city is currently in discussions with Coles regarding who will have the responsibility of opening and closing the gate.

"Until it is agreed who will open and close the gate, the gate has been kept in a locked, open position."

A Coles spokesperson confirmed discussions were ongoing.

"The car park on Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo, is managed by the City of Greater Bendigo," they said. "Coles is in discussions with council to ensure the car park is managed effectively."

The gate was removed after CFA cut it to remove it from the car on Thursday night. Ms McClure said no date has been confirmed for the gate to be re-installed.

A council spokesperson said the city had contacted the affected driver on Friday and will provide all necessary support to them.

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