If you’ve noticed more caravans, boats, and trailers lining your local streets lately, you’re not alone—and you’re certainly not imagining things! Across Australia, and especially in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the humble suburban street is fast becoming a battleground between residents, council, and the ever-growing fleet of recreational vehicles.

The Northern Beaches Council has now taken a bold step, urging locals to 'dob in' neighbours who leave their boats, caravans, or trailers parked on the street for too long. It’s a move that’s sure to spark debate at the next neighbourhood barbecue!


Why the sudden crackdown?


For months, the council has been inundated with complaints from residents frustrated by backstreets clogged with oversized vehicles. The issue isn’t just about aesthetics or inconvenience—councillors argue that these parked behemoths can actually pose a danger by blocking visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Councillor Vincent De Luca, who spearheaded the latest motion, didn’t mince words: 'We see large craft, obstructing vision causing accidents.'


The council’s response? A unanimous vote to ramp up efforts to tackle the problem. They’re not just relying on the odd ranger patrol, either. Plans are afoot to introduce new parking signage, enforce 'vehicle only' zones, and even create a streamlined online reporting system for residents to flag problem spots. Expect to see links in your local newsletter and social media feeds soon!

What are the rules right now?

If you’re wondering whether your neighbour’s boat is actually breaking the law, here’s the lowdown: In NSW (and most other states and territories), it’s legal to park a boat, trailer, or caravan on the street for up to 28 days in the same spot. After that, the owner must move it—at least to a different block section of the same street—or risk a hefty $660 fine. The rules are designed to stop people from using public roads as long-term storage for their toys, but enforcement has been patchy, and many residents feel the system is being abused.


A growing problem across Australia

It’s not just a Northern Beaches issue. Neighbouring councils like Randwick have also taken action, banning parking for nearly five kilometres along a popular nature strip that had become a makeshift storage yard for boats and caravans. In Cremorne, one frustrated resident—who relies on street parking herself—launched a petition for stricter rules, arguing, 'The road is there for people to use and not to store, and that is the distinction that needs to be made.'

The problem is only getting bigger. Caravan and campervan registrations have soared over the past decade, with more than 900,000 now on Australian roads. As more Aussies embrace the freedom of the open road (and the open water), our streets are feeling the squeeze.


Council’s next steps—and what you can do

The Northern Beaches Council isn’t stopping at local action. They’re preparing a submission to the NSW state government, asking for a review of current penalties and the introduction of a new permit system to further discourage long-term parking of boats and trailers on residential streets.

In the meantime, the council is encouraging residents to report 'hotspots' of inappropriate parking. They’re considering a dedicated online form to make it easier for locals to flag issues—so if you’re fed up with that caravan that’s been gathering cobwebs outside your house, help is on the way.


But is dobbing in your neighbour the answer?

Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we know that community spirit is the glue that holds our neighbourhoods together. While some see reporting as a necessary step to keep streets safe and accessible, others worry it could fuel tension and resentment between neighbours. After all, many of us remember a time when a friendly chat over the fence could solve most problems!


If you own a caravan, boat, or trailer, it’s worth brushing up on the rules in your area. Even if you’re within your rights to park on the street, it’s always a good idea to be considerate of your neighbours—especially if your vehicle is large or blocks sightlines. And if you’re on the other side of the fence, remember that a polite conversation can sometimes work wonders before escalating things to the council.
We want to hear from you, members! Have you had issues with boats, caravans, or trailers parked on your street? Do you think councils are right to crack down, or is this a case of overreach? Have you ever had to 'dob in' a neighbour—or been dobbed in yourself? Share your stories, tips, and thoughts in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation rolling!

Read more: This 'eyesore' parking method is disrupting Aussie roads—is it time for major change?