Car park photo sparks heated debate over little-known road rule: 'They look dangerous'

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.


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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.

Key Takeaways
  • A photo showing tow bars protruding into a footpath has initiated a discussion over a lesser-known traffic rule in Australia.
  • Locals in Normanville, South Australia, were shocked to find parked vehicles with tow bars creating a hazard on a busy walkway.
  • According to state and territory regulations, tow bars and hitches that extend beyond a vehicle's bodywork should be safe for other road users and may need to be removed or covered when not in use.
  • While some suggest the removal of tow hitches to avoid potential dangers, others believe regular removal could lead to safety risks and propose using padding as a precaution.

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.
 
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Our last car had a tow bar but with the reversing camera you could see exactly where it was so there is no need for them to ever protrude onto a footpath. If you don’t have a camera then check where it is before you walk away. Tow bars do have a few uses though & the last one did save me from hitting a wall, didn’t even hurt it but would’ve dented the car.
 
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Many country towns, especially in NSW, mandate that parking has to be reverse to kerb, just make sure you don't back in so far that a hitch doesn't protrude.. dead easy...
Many country town in Victoria don't allow reverse parking, as the fumes go into the shops. The painted lines on the road indicate this as well.
 
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It would be far easier to stop drivers reverse parking. Up until a couple of years ago in Victoria, it was unheard of. Now more and more seem to be doing it.
How would you police this? Have people walking around all day issuing infringement notices like council rangers?

Actually, some years ago in NSW, the occasional street parking area had a "REAR TO KERB" sign.
 
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In this photo, the extent of the towbar seems to take up about 15 - 20% of the footpath. I would also believe that if the vehicles were parked "nose-in", the front of the vehicle would be approximately where the rear is now.
If the council is so worried about this, they can install wheel barriers so that car wheels can not go back more than a recommended distance, thus leaving 100% of the footpath for foot traffic.
Usually there is a barrier that stops one from parking too far in or too close to a wall. This barrier, if there is one, is too close to the footpath and allows the vehicle in too far.
ALSO, I see the man's name is Jeff De Ath. I am so glad his surname has been cut into two, otherwise his name would be Jeff Death. Not a great monika to carry around for life.
 
It would be far easier to stop drivers reverse parking. Up until a couple of years ago in Victoria, it was unheard of. Now more and more seem to be doing it.
It’s actually safer to reverse park, especially at some of the medical facilities I have driven my husband to. The way people drive in Launceston makes it unsafe to reverse out, I’ve often witnessed drivers edging out slowly & then having to go back in because others were going too fast. I watched one elderly person trying to reverse out for ten minutes & was about to get out to help when they finally managed to reverse out & continue to exit.
 
It’s actually safer to reverse park, especially at some of the medical facilities I have driven my husband to. The way people drive in Launceston makes it unsafe to reverse out, I’ve often witnessed drivers edging out slowly & then having to go back in because others were going too fast. I watched one elderly person trying to reverse out for ten minutes & was about to get out to help when they finally managed to reverse out & continue to exit.
I agree. Nothing wrong with reverse parking when needed in varying situations.
 
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We overlook a small supermarket carpark in Perth. @DLHM and myself derive great entertainment in watching these gooses try to reverse into a car spot, some times taking eight attempts! In...out...in....out....in....out ad infinitum. Do they even have a licence?

All the time blocking traffic from entering and exiting the carpark.
 
We overlook a small supermarket carpark in Perth. @DLHM and myself derive great entertainment in watching these gooses try to reverse into a car spot, some times taking eight attempts! In...out...in....out....in....out ad infinitum. Do they even have a licence?

All the time blocking traffic from entering and exiting the carpark.
So much easier to drive in, and not holding up traffic.
 
It’s actually safer to reverse park, especially at some of the medical facilities I have driven my husband to. The way people drive in Launceston makes it unsafe to reverse out, I’ve often witnessed drivers edging out slowly & then having to go back in because others were going too fast. I watched one elderly person trying to reverse out for ten minutes & was about to get out to help when they finally managed to reverse out & continue to exit.
Imagine him trying to reverse in. Cars on one side will be scraped down the side.
 
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Councils saving money by not fitting rear wheel stopping blocks. Also, people should be more observant when they are walking behind vehicles (put your phone away and look where you are walking) it's your own stupid fault if you walk into something. Talk about being dumb.
The law states to park fully within the parking bay, those vehicles are not fully within the parking bay.
 
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What use is a front reversing camera, does it provide another view for alignment?
I have a camera. It shows the rear view, and at a certain point I can ask for overhead view to check clearance all around the car. The camera mentioned just looks at the back, but, you can watch while you are driving, via the viewing screen set somewhere in the dashboard.
 
Some parking lots have signs that say reverse parking only. There are a couple of suburbs near my town that have that.
Problem is, if you have a mobility aid, or pram, or a big load to put in the boot, you would not want to reverse park. Well...I wouldn't.
 
I've had the rear of my car damaged twice, in car parks, where a vehicle has backed into my car, hit it and then left the scene. I put the towing hitch back on, I painted a tennis ball with fluro paint, after having three chrome ones stolen, haven't sustained any damage to the rear of my car since. It is illegal to have the hitch on when not towing, along with those extended mirrors if not towing however, causing damage and leaving the scene, is an offence, so is having those extendable rear view mirrors, sticking out like elephant ears is also an offence. If you walk into a towing hitch then you should take the responsibility and go and make a eye test, or stop walking and in most instances, put your phone away and watch where you are walking. Take some responsibility, it is not as if the car backed into you, you walked into it...
 
I've had the rear of my car damaged twice, in car parks, where a vehicle has backed into my car, hit it and then left the scene. I put the towing hitch back on, I painted a tennis ball with fluro paint, after having three chrome ones stolen, haven't sustained any damage to the rear of my car since. It is illegal to have the hitch on when not towing, along with those extended mirrors if not towing however, causing damage and leaving the scene, is an offence, so is having those extendable rear view mirrors, sticking out like elephant ears is also an offence. If you walk into a towing hitch then you should take the responsibility and go and make a eye test, or stop walking and in most instances, put your phone away and watch where you are walking. Take some responsibility, it is not as if the car backed into you, you walked into it...
Exactly!

Pedestrians should take responsibility for their own inattention and carelessness.

Remove all electronic distractions when walking.
 
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The good God gave us eyes to see with. Or is it like trees and lamppost that jump out in front if people. Also many are permanent accessories.
Some people have vision issues, children don't see hazards. Also, if two people passing each other in opposite directions one person could innocently move over to make room and bash their shins by accident.
 
I can reserve park no problem. I drive into a carpark due to having a trolley from the supermarkets to make it easier to load into the boot.
Also, my car has front & rear reserving cameras to make any reserve or park straight with parking.
My issue in carparks is drivers have to wait patiently while drivers reserve back and forth to park.
Do you mean reverse park?
 

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