Beware of driveway parking: How this simple mistake could cost you big across Australia!
- Replies 22
Parking can be a tricky business, especially in bustling urban areas where space is at a premium.
However, did you know that a simple parking mistake could cost you a hefty fine?
This was a lesson learned the hard way by residents in various parts of Australia, including one family whose special day was nearly ruined by an inconsiderate driver.
Amber Cunningham was all set to celebrate her 20th birthday with a family breakfast when she discovered a car parked right across their driveway. The vehicle was blocking their exit, putting a damper on the morning festivities.
‘I first noticed the car at about 7:30 AM this morning…I was extremely frustrated and a little upset,’ Amber recounted.
‘We have a lot of people parking in front of our house and getting really close to our driveway, but never smack bang in the middle of our driveway.’
Fortunately, the Cunninghams had access to another family member's car and managed to salvage their birthday plans.
They reported the obstructive car to a towing company, and by the time they returned from breakfast, the car had mysteriously disappeared. The family suspected it was a neighbour's car that had been quickly taken away.
‘We suspected it was the neighbour's car. We have seen the car around, but it has never parked directly out in front of our house,’ Amber speculated.
Now, let's talk about the legalities. Parking across a driveway is not just rude; it's illegal across Australia, and it comes with a significant fine.
In New South Wales, for example, drivers who block access to a driveway, even if it's their own, can be slapped with a $320 fine. This also applies to vehicles parked over a footpath.
Amber admitted she ‘didn't know you could be fined’ for such an offence, and she's likely not alone in her lack of awareness.
The fines for this parking offence are consistent across the country. In Brisbane, the penalty can reach up to $322.60, while in Canberra, one man faced a $132 fine for partially blocking the pavement with his vehicle.
Perth has seen a surge in complaints about neighbours parking on footpaths, indicating that this issue is widespread and often contentious.
Just this week, a couple was left feeling ‘screwed over’ after receiving a $362 fine for parking across their own driveway, a practice they had been following for 12 years without issue.
While the recent issues with driveway access and a lesser-known parking offence highlight the struggles residents face with local parking regulations, it’s clear that the frustration extends beyond just one type of violation.
Many people are also grappling with hefty fines for street parking, prompting a broader conversation about the fairness of council rules.
In response to these challenges, residents are taking a stand against what they perceive as unjust fines and seeking ways to push back against these policies.
What are your thoughts on this ‘little-known’ road rule? Have you experienced something similar to what the Cunninghams did? Let us know your insights and stories in the comments below.
However, did you know that a simple parking mistake could cost you a hefty fine?
This was a lesson learned the hard way by residents in various parts of Australia, including one family whose special day was nearly ruined by an inconsiderate driver.
Amber Cunningham was all set to celebrate her 20th birthday with a family breakfast when she discovered a car parked right across their driveway. The vehicle was blocking their exit, putting a damper on the morning festivities.
‘I first noticed the car at about 7:30 AM this morning…I was extremely frustrated and a little upset,’ Amber recounted.
‘We have a lot of people parking in front of our house and getting really close to our driveway, but never smack bang in the middle of our driveway.’
In Australia, blocking driveways or footpaths can lead to fines—a problem that disrupted a Newcastle woman's birthday plans. Credit: Shutterstock
Fortunately, the Cunninghams had access to another family member's car and managed to salvage their birthday plans.
They reported the obstructive car to a towing company, and by the time they returned from breakfast, the car had mysteriously disappeared. The family suspected it was a neighbour's car that had been quickly taken away.
‘We suspected it was the neighbour's car. We have seen the car around, but it has never parked directly out in front of our house,’ Amber speculated.
Now, let's talk about the legalities. Parking across a driveway is not just rude; it's illegal across Australia, and it comes with a significant fine.
In New South Wales, for example, drivers who block access to a driveway, even if it's their own, can be slapped with a $320 fine. This also applies to vehicles parked over a footpath.
Amber admitted she ‘didn't know you could be fined’ for such an offence, and she's likely not alone in her lack of awareness.
The fines for this parking offence are consistent across the country. In Brisbane, the penalty can reach up to $322.60, while in Canberra, one man faced a $132 fine for partially blocking the pavement with his vehicle.
Perth has seen a surge in complaints about neighbours parking on footpaths, indicating that this issue is widespread and often contentious.
Just this week, a couple was left feeling ‘screwed over’ after receiving a $362 fine for parking across their own driveway, a practice they had been following for 12 years without issue.
While the recent issues with driveway access and a lesser-known parking offence highlight the struggles residents face with local parking regulations, it’s clear that the frustration extends beyond just one type of violation.
Many people are also grappling with hefty fines for street parking, prompting a broader conversation about the fairness of council rules.
In response to these challenges, residents are taking a stand against what they perceive as unjust fines and seeking ways to push back against these policies.
.png){kind=icon}
