Hidden road rule could cost you $387—residents' outrage explains why you should care
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In the bustling suburbs of south Sydney, a seemingly minor change to road signage has sparked a significant outcry from residents.
The Bayside Council's decision to replace traditional red 'No Stopping' signs with unbroken yellow edge lines has left many drivers blindsided.
Some face hefty fines for what they believe is an unclear and little-known road rule.
The yellow lines, a staple on clearways within the Local Government Area (LGA) for some time, are now becoming a more common sight on additional streets.
The council confirmed that this rollout is part of a broader initiative that began in 1999.
However, these lines are enforced under the same rules as 'No Stopping' signs, which means that drivers in New South Wales who park in these zones could be hit with a $275 fine or even a steeper $387 fine and two demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone.
The council has issued a stern reminder that both police and council parking officers can enforce these road rules.
However, the community's response has been frustration and demand for the return of the more familiar signage.
Residents argue that the yellow lines are ineffective and that the change is a strategic move by the council to increase satisfactory revenue rather than improve road safety or clarity.
Under NSW Road Rule 169, drivers are prohibited from stopping alongside a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line.
This rule also extends to stopping within 10 meters of an intersecting road at an intersection without traffic lights.
Despite the clarity of the legislation, many drivers claim that the yellow lines need to provide a different level of warning than traditional signs, leading to confusion and unintended infractions.
The council, however, defends its decision, stating that the switch to yellow lines is an effort to reduce 'visual clutter' caused by an overabundance of signage.
They believe this approach will lead to cleaner-looking streets and a more streamlined visual experience for drivers.
To aid in the transition, Bayside Council has committed to an ongoing education campaign to help motorists understand the implications of the yellow lines.
The NRMA has noted on its website that it regularly encounters members who must know the rule.
This lack of awareness is not just a local issue; the rule and associated fines are applicable nationwide, with penalties varying from state to state:
Fines for stopping on a yellow line vary across Australian states and territories.
In New South Wales, fines start at $275 and rise to $387 with two demerit points in school zones.
Queensland imposes fines up to $309, while Victoria's penalties reach $192. South Australia and Western Australia have fines of up to $210 and $200, respectively.
The Northern Territory has a minimum fine of $80, while the Australian Capital Territory can fine up to $3,200 (20 penalty units).
Tasmania has the highest fine, potentially reaching $975.
The disparity in fines and the apparent lack of public knowledge about the yellow lines highlight a broader communication issue between councils and the communities they serve.
It raises questions about the effectiveness of road rule changes and the responsibility of local governments to ensure that such changes are well-publicized and understood.
Should councils better inform people about road rule changes, especially when fines are involved? Are yellow edge lines for 'No Stopping' clear or confusing compared to regular signs? Let us know in the comments below.
The Bayside Council's decision to replace traditional red 'No Stopping' signs with unbroken yellow edge lines has left many drivers blindsided.
Some face hefty fines for what they believe is an unclear and little-known road rule.
The yellow lines, a staple on clearways within the Local Government Area (LGA) for some time, are now becoming a more common sight on additional streets.
The council confirmed that this rollout is part of a broader initiative that began in 1999.
Unbroken yellow edge lines are used as 'no stopping' zones across the Bayside LGA in south Sydney. Credit: Bayside Council
However, these lines are enforced under the same rules as 'No Stopping' signs, which means that drivers in New South Wales who park in these zones could be hit with a $275 fine or even a steeper $387 fine and two demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone.
The council has issued a stern reminder that both police and council parking officers can enforce these road rules.
However, the community's response has been frustration and demand for the return of the more familiar signage.
Residents argue that the yellow lines are ineffective and that the change is a strategic move by the council to increase satisfactory revenue rather than improve road safety or clarity.
Under NSW Road Rule 169, drivers are prohibited from stopping alongside a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line.
This rule also extends to stopping within 10 meters of an intersecting road at an intersection without traffic lights.
Despite the clarity of the legislation, many drivers claim that the yellow lines need to provide a different level of warning than traditional signs, leading to confusion and unintended infractions.
The council, however, defends its decision, stating that the switch to yellow lines is an effort to reduce 'visual clutter' caused by an overabundance of signage.
They believe this approach will lead to cleaner-looking streets and a more streamlined visual experience for drivers.
To aid in the transition, Bayside Council has committed to an ongoing education campaign to help motorists understand the implications of the yellow lines.
The NRMA has noted on its website that it regularly encounters members who must know the rule.
This lack of awareness is not just a local issue; the rule and associated fines are applicable nationwide, with penalties varying from state to state:
Fines for stopping on a yellow line vary across Australian states and territories.
In New South Wales, fines start at $275 and rise to $387 with two demerit points in school zones.
Queensland imposes fines up to $309, while Victoria's penalties reach $192. South Australia and Western Australia have fines of up to $210 and $200, respectively.
The Northern Territory has a minimum fine of $80, while the Australian Capital Territory can fine up to $3,200 (20 penalty units).
Tasmania has the highest fine, potentially reaching $975.
The disparity in fines and the apparent lack of public knowledge about the yellow lines highlight a broader communication issue between councils and the communities they serve.
It raises questions about the effectiveness of road rule changes and the responsibility of local governments to ensure that such changes are well-publicized and understood.
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