Aussies left fuming after giant ute hogs three parking spots

As drivers, it is common courtesy to share the road with others. One must remember that commuters and other drivers also need safe spaces as they travel.

In a bustling car park, a scene unfolded that has sparked a heated debate among residents and social media users alike.


A giant American-style Chevrolet Silverado ute was photographed sprawled across not one, not two, but three parking spaces–including a spot reserved for disabled drivers.

The image, taken in Melbourne and which has since gone viral, has led to a torrent of criticism and has raised broader questions about the place of such oversized vehicles in Australia's urban landscapes.

The incident on a busy Saturday was not just a case of poor parking etiquette.

When a passer-by confronted the driver about the inconsiderate parking, the driver's response was reportedly threatening, claiming that the vehicle 'doesn't fit in normal people spots' and threatened the concerned citizen of physical harm.


giant vehicle.PNG
A Chevrolet Silverado was spotted occupying three parking spaces, one of which was allotted to disabled drivers, in a Melbourne car park. Image Credit: Reddit


The photograph has drawn a flood of comments, many filled with expletives, condemning the driver's actions and the presence of large US-style utes like the Ford F150 and Dodge Ram on Australian roads.

‘That’s a disgusting photo,’ one commenter wrote.

'These oversized vehicles should be 100 per cent banned,' another commenter exclaimed, reflecting a sentiment that these trucks are not only a nuisance but also a potential hazard in urban settings.

A lot of comments also suggested reporting the vehicle for violations through the Snap Send Solve app.


This incident made people call for stricter enforcement of parking regulations and penalties for such behaviour.

The City of Yarra Council has expressed safety concerns over the growing trend of giant SUVs and utes.

While there is reportedly no plan to ban these vehicles, the council is actively exploring measures to discourage their purchase and use on the city's streets.

Greens Councillor Sophie Wade has been particularly vocal, advocating for a more equitable use of road space and highlighting the disproportionate risks these large vehicles pose to pedestrians, especially children.

Councillor Wade's motion to the council noted 'the dangers posed by the increasing size and weight of vehicles on Australian streets’.

‘It's really a matter of one person's right to drive whatever they want trumping everyone else's right to (safety) on the street, and I don't think that's a compromise we should be willing to make,' she said.

She has suggested that the council consider implementing a parking tax on large trucks, drawing inspiration from a similar initiative in Paris.

'When you've got stats that show SUV's are eight times more likely to kill a child when they hit them than standard cars, I think that's the sort of thing you shouldn't try and accommodate,’ she said.


In the wake of the parking fiasco, passionate defenders of the American-style ute have come forward, arguing that the actions of one inconsiderate driver should not tarnish the reputation of all large vehicle owners.

Some responsible owners have shared their own practices, such as parking on the outskirts of car parks to avoid inconveniencing others, emphasising the importance of being considerate regardless of vehicle size.

The debate has also sparked suggestions that owners of oversized utes should undergo a special licence test, similar to those required for motorcycles and heavy vehicles, to ensure they are capable of handling their vehicles responsibly in urban environments.

This idea has gained traction among those who believe that with great power (and size) comes great responsibility.

Key Takeaways

  • A driver in Melbourne caused an uproar by parking a Chevrolet Silverado ute across three car spaces, including a disabled spot.
  • Social media and local residents expressed anger, with calls for restrictions and special licence tests for drivers of oversized vehicles.
  • The City of Yarra Council is exploring measures to discourage the use of large and heavy vehicles on the streets, considering options like a parking fee based on vehicle size.
  • Despite the backlash, some passionate owners defend their right to drive US-style pick-up trucks, insisting that issues arise from inconsiderate drivers rather than the vehicles themselves.

As the conversation continues, it's clear that the issue is not just about one poorly parked vehicle, but about how Australian cities can adapt to a changing automotive landscape without compromising safety and accessibility.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Have you encountered similar problems with oversized vehicles in your local area? Do you think measures like a parking tax for large trucks are a good solution? Share your opinions in the comments below!
 
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I think driving licences should have specifications on max weight of vehicles allowed to be driven. Not every driver driving a small vehicle can handle a large SUV or even Vans. And these extra L sized vehicles should not be allowed to park at regular carparks.
 
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Reactions: Veggiepatch
He is only parked on one disabled parking bay. These vehicles are way too long for the carpark spaces allowed in many carparks (if you go to somewhere like Costco an American company the parking bays are huge). So, has he broken any laws? We don't know, because if he has a handicapped person notice displayed, technically no law has been broken.
If you have a proper look at the picture you will see he has parked over 3 spots, 2 normal and 1 disabled, so if no permit for disabled spot yes he has broken the Law. He is plain ignorant and should never have parked the way he did. Taking up 3 spots not good in anyones books.
 
I don't care how big his rig is. Doesn't mean the brain is just as big.
No excuses for taking a disabled spot.
They have a shot of the number plate ... off with his head!!!
About 30 seconds of research furnished this.

Registration number:
BVP980
Registration status & expiry date:
Current - 21/04/2024
Vehicle:
2022 BLACK CHEVROLET UTIL
VIN/Chassis:
1GC4Y9EY4NF175157
Engine number:
L5PFNF175157
Registration serial number:
10549980
Compliance plate / RAV entry date:
04/2022
Sanction(s) applicable:
None
Goods carrying vehicle:
Yes

Another 5 minutes of research would give me the registered address in Victoria.
 
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Reactions: MariaG and DLHM
I have rung the ACROD people who tell me it is up to the shopping centre to fine those that park in a disabled bay. But they don't as when I rang the shopping centre they don't care.
Shopping centres do not have the power to administer parking fines. Local councils and police have that power.

Who is allowed to issue a parking fine?
Only authorised people can issue parking fines. These include police officers, some council officers and some VicRoads officers. If you are issued with a parking fine and want to know if the person is authorised, ask to view their identity card. The card should show the person’s photo, signature and the signature of the authorising officer.

SOURCE: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-04/vla-resource-parking-the-law-and-you.pdf
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: DLHM
Shopping centres do not have the power to administer parking fines. Local councils and police have that power.

Who is allowed to issue a parking fine?
Only authorised people can issue parking fines. These include police officers, some council officers and some VicRoads officers. If you are issued with a parking fine and want to know if the person is authorised, ask to view their identity card. The card should show the person’s photo, signature and the signature of the authorising officer.

SOURCE: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-04/vla-resource-parking-the-law-and-you.pdf
I was told by Acrod in WA that it is the shopping centre who fines people who park illegally.
 
About 30 seconds of research furnished this.

Registration number:
BVP980
Registration status & expiry date:
Current - 21/04/2024
Vehicle:
2022 BLACK CHEVROLET UTIL
VIN/Chassis:
1GC4Y9EY4NF175157
Engine number:
L5PFNF175157
Registration serial number:
10549980
Compliance plate / RAV entry date:
04/2022
Sanction(s) applicable:
None
Goods carrying vehicle:
Yes

Another 5 minutes of research would give me the registered address in Victoria.
Good thing you don't have the address there. The owner might end up getting a crowd picketing his house.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Veggiepatch
I'm just saying I see a lot of disabled notices in these vehicles, and you want to know why? Because if they are DVA Gold Card TPI, they don't pay sales tax on them, so they all buy these vehicles because no one is going to take them on, and the rule of the road is you always give way to anything bigger than you.
I will give way to my right regardless of size but in other circumstances if l have right of way, regardless of size, except an emergency vehicle, l will exercise my right. The onus then is on the other driver to explain why they did not drive by the Road Code. We are all aware of how larger vehicles try to intimidate other road users, but this doesn't work with me. Am l pigheaded? I don't believe so!
 
Typical syndrome of small pecker = big car, needs it to make him feel good about himself. No concern for anyone else.
big assumption there, why do you think it's a male, ever seen the pickup & drop off for schools. Oversize pickups are also the norm and majority of drivers are women (many of whom don't have the driving skills required for the size of the vehicle). :)
 
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Reactions: Rob44
big assumption there, why do you think it's a male, ever seen the pickup & drop off for schools. Oversize pickups are also the norm and majority of drivers are women (many of whom don't have the driving skills required for the size of the vehicle). :)
BLAH BLAH BLAH
 
About 30 seconds of research furnished this.

Registration number:
BVP980
Registration status & expiry date:
Current - 21/04/2024
Vehicle:
2022 BLACK CHEVROLET UTIL
VIN/Chassis:
1GC4Y9EY4NF175157
Engine number:
L5PFNF175157
Registration serial number:
10549980
Compliance plate / RAV entry date:
04/2022
Sanction(s) applicable:
None
Goods carrying vehicle:
Yes

Another 5 minutes of research would give me the registered address in Victoria.
If you can find the info, WHY CAN'T THE POLICE ??? The local Council must be Piss Weak - Either MAKE the shopping centre do the right thing, OR ELSE !!! Too much BUCK PASSING ! POLICE - SHOPPING CENTRE - COUNCIL - they are all as BAD as each other - BLOODY USELESS !!!
 
I will give way to my right regardless of size but in other circumstances if l have right of way, regardless of size, except an emergency vehicle, l will exercise my right. The onus then is on the other driver to explain why they did not drive by the Road Code. We are all aware of how larger vehicles try to intimidate other road users, but this doesn't work with me. Am l pigheaded? I don't believe so!
Full fathoms five
Lies Billy Hay;
His, by law,
The right of way!

Old sea-dog's adage from perhaps the days of the Vikings, or maybe of the ancient Mesopotamians. Avoid collision at all times. The final law of the sea. Just staying put on the starboard tack will sink you and you will be found at fault for not having taken steps to avoid the collision even if the other boat was on the port tack. There is NO excuse for taking the leg off a motorcyclist, even if you can claim right-of-way at the outset of your stupidity.
 
About 30 seconds of research furnished this.

Registration number:
BVP980
Registration status & expiry date:
Current - 21/04/2024
Vehicle:
2022 BLACK CHEVROLET UTIL
VIN/Chassis:
1GC4Y9EY4NF175157
Engine number:
L5PFNF175157
Registration serial number:
10549980
Compliance plate / RAV entry date:
04/2022
Sanction(s) applicable:
None
Goods carrying vehicle:
Yes

Another 5 minutes of research would give me the registered address in Victoria.
You are very lucky you did not put the address you possibly could be in for a lot of trouble, some people would deem this as invasion of Privacy, the information you put is enough for that to qualify I think. I know I would be really pissed if someone posted all that info about my vehicle, there are a lot of D/heads out there who would think nothing of trashing someones property just to TEACH them a LESSON.
 
You are very lucky you did not put the address you possibly could be in for a lot of trouble, some people would deem this as invasion of Privacy, the information you put is enough for that to qualify I think. I know I would be really pissed if someone posted all that info about my vehicle, there are a lot of D/heads out there who would think nothing of trashing someones property just to TEACH them a LESSON.
Freedom of Information Act 1982 should ring a bell. It states that anyone can access information held by a government agency. You just need the knowledge on how to do it.
 
Freedom of Information Act 1982 should ring a bell. It states that anyone can access information held by a government agency. You just need the knowledge on how to do it.
I know all that garbage I'm just saying some people are idiots and do idiot things they just need stuff like what you have put in front of their face to do it.
 

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