Major council targets caravan and boat owners in crackdown after 'receiving numerous complaints'
Boats, trailers, caravans and vehicles will be banned from parking along an almost five kilometre stretch of Anzac Parade in Sydney after they began piling up.
Residents have responded with mixed reactions after a city council announced it will ban parking for almost five kilometres along a busy nature strip that's become "increasingly popular for storage of boats, caravans and trailers".
Randwick City Council, which encompasses much of Sydney's inner-eastern and southern suburbs, announced overnight that "after receiving numerous complaints" it will install no parking signs along a 4.5km stretch of Anzac Parade between Matraville and La Perouse.
From today it will start warning owners to remove their vehicles from the grassed nature strip, with plans to "create formalised parking bays to support residents" in the works — however they won't be for boats or caravans.
"Parked vehicles make it more dangerous for pedestrians in these green spaces and create safety risks by blocking the view of oncoming traffic," council said in a statement.
The portion of Anzac Parade in question is frequently used by boat owners for storage, angering those who say the area is already lacking adequate parking.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Randwick City spokesperson confirmed the new signage will be installed in the next five to 10 days. "Two variable message signs have been installed on site informing people of the change," he told Yahoo. "Vehicles can continue to park legally along Anzac Parade."
He said storage of "all sorts of larger vehicles" — including boats, trailers, caravans and vans — "presents a problem".
"Warning notices will be placed on vehicles currently left in the area and letters will be sent to car owners where possible," council said. There will be a grace period to allow vehicles to move and adjust to the change before $129 fines will be issued.
Residents erupt after council bans caravan, boat parking
Responding to the announcement on social media, dozens of passionate locals weighed in with their opinions. Some called for "formalised paid long-term parking" for the vehicles which they said "clog up residential streets" — something that has become a growing point of contention in some Australian suburbs.
Meanwhile others questioned the idea from council, calling it "nonsense" and saying it will merely push the problem elsewhere.
"I appreciate this move however it’s also going to push these vehicles and boats into neighbouring streets where parking is at a premium," one person argued.
"I applaud council [for] considering ... street parking but they need to look at the bigger picture," said another. "The issue of vehicles including trailers parking on the grass of Anzac Parade ... provides a temporary solution in the absence of fenced off parking areas."
"People are trying to park their recreation vehicles OFF the roads to reduce congestion. The council is certainly not there for its rate payers. One person complains and yet again no community engagement or alternatives put in place," a third commented on the council's post.
"Them being on the grass is a lot safer than on the street what nonsense is this council trying to pull," one local said.
Locals react after council's big parking change to stop illegal camping
Drivers erupt as council issues $264 parking fine 'every day'
Coles responds after P-plater locked in with bollard for flouting parking rule
Council stated online that once the vehicles have been removed, it would add more native and indigenous plants "to enhance the area" and help with "screening, shade and reducing noise".
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
