Car park photo sparks heated debate over little-known road rule: 'They look dangerous'
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Many are drawn to the freedom of the open road, setting off on journeys to uncover hidden sights in far-reaching destinations.
But what happens after arriving, settling in, and exploring the local charm?
A recent incident has brought attention to an unexpected road rule that’s sparking debate among travellers and locals alike.
A jogger's snapshot of a 'footpath gauntlet' in a bustling tourist town car park has sparked a nationwide debate.
The image, which shows a row of parked vehicles with tow bars and hitches jutting out into the walkway, has raised concerns over pedestrian safety and the legality of leaving towing equipment attached when not in use.
The photo, captioned 'Running the Australian footpath gauntlet,' elicited humour and serious discussion online.
Some commenters quipped that the obstacle course resembled the '100-metre shin buster finals,' while others pointed out the potential legal implications of such obstructions.
In Australia, the rules regarding tow bars and hitches that extend beyond a vehicle's bodywork vary from state to state.
However, the overarching principle is clear: these protrusions should not endanger other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Failure to comply with safety standards could result in the driver being asked to remove or modify the equipment.
While there's no explicit law against leaving a tow bar hitch on when not towing, all states and territories strongly advise vehicle owners to remove or cover them to prevent injury or damage.
In some instances, fines may be issued if the hitch is left on unnecessarily, particularly if it poses a safety risk or obscures the vehicle's license plate.
In New South Wales, for example, this oversight could lead to a hefty $439 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
Tow Truck Sydney warns that while keeping a tow hitch in place might be convenient, this practice can lead to accelerated wear and tear.
Factors like moisture and rust can necessitate more frequent replacements, especially in harsh environments.
Yet, Jeff De Ath, owner of Check Weight Caravan weighing company, offers a different perspective.
'It’s a tricky one because if you’re removing it and putting it back on all the time, I think there’s a risk of not tightening it correctly—that would be worse,' he said.
He observed that many of the tow hitches in the viral photo were 'sticking out a fair way,' posing an apparent hazard to wheelchair users or parents with prams.
'When you’re travelling on a regular basis, taking them on and off would be very difficult for people to do… it would probably be better to use padding around them if they do look dangerous,' he added.
De Ath recommends that travellers who regularly use their tow hitches consider using padding to mitigate the danger.
He also emphasised the importance of being vigilant around such potential hazards, advising people to exercise common sense and caution.
This debate reminds all of us who enjoy the freedom of caravanning and road-tripping to be mindful of how our actions affect others.
It's not just about following the letter of the law; it's about ensuring the safety and convenience of everyone in the community.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation while travelling? What are your thoughts on the tow bar debate? Should there be stricter enforcement, or is it simply a matter of personal responsibility? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
But what happens after arriving, settling in, and exploring the local charm?
A recent incident has brought attention to an unexpected road rule that’s sparking debate among travellers and locals alike.
A jogger's snapshot of a 'footpath gauntlet' in a bustling tourist town car park has sparked a nationwide debate.
The image, which shows a row of parked vehicles with tow bars and hitches jutting out into the walkway, has raised concerns over pedestrian safety and the legality of leaving towing equipment attached when not in use.
A photo of tow bars blocking a footpath has sparked debate over a little-known traffic rule. Credit: Facebook
The photo, captioned 'Running the Australian footpath gauntlet,' elicited humour and serious discussion online.
Some commenters quipped that the obstacle course resembled the '100-metre shin buster finals,' while others pointed out the potential legal implications of such obstructions.
In Australia, the rules regarding tow bars and hitches that extend beyond a vehicle's bodywork vary from state to state.
However, the overarching principle is clear: these protrusions should not endanger other road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
Failure to comply with safety standards could result in the driver being asked to remove or modify the equipment.
While there's no explicit law against leaving a tow bar hitch on when not towing, all states and territories strongly advise vehicle owners to remove or cover them to prevent injury or damage.
In some instances, fines may be issued if the hitch is left on unnecessarily, particularly if it poses a safety risk or obscures the vehicle's license plate.
In New South Wales, for example, this oversight could lead to a hefty $439 fine and the loss of three demerit points.
Tow Truck Sydney warns that while keeping a tow hitch in place might be convenient, this practice can lead to accelerated wear and tear.
Factors like moisture and rust can necessitate more frequent replacements, especially in harsh environments.
Yet, Jeff De Ath, owner of Check Weight Caravan weighing company, offers a different perspective.
'It’s a tricky one because if you’re removing it and putting it back on all the time, I think there’s a risk of not tightening it correctly—that would be worse,' he said.
He observed that many of the tow hitches in the viral photo were 'sticking out a fair way,' posing an apparent hazard to wheelchair users or parents with prams.
'When you’re travelling on a regular basis, taking them on and off would be very difficult for people to do… it would probably be better to use padding around them if they do look dangerous,' he added.
De Ath recommends that travellers who regularly use their tow hitches consider using padding to mitigate the danger.
He also emphasised the importance of being vigilant around such potential hazards, advising people to exercise common sense and caution.
This debate reminds all of us who enjoy the freedom of caravanning and road-tripping to be mindful of how our actions affect others.
It's not just about following the letter of the law; it's about ensuring the safety and convenience of everyone in the community.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation while travelling? What are your thoughts on the tow bar debate? Should there be stricter enforcement, or is it simply a matter of personal responsibility? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
