Parking in one's own driveway should be a straightforward affair, but for some Australian residents, it's become a contentious issue that's sparking debate across the community. The latest incident to fuel this fire occurred in the picturesque suburb of Manly, Sydney, where a driver found themselves at the center of a social media storm for parking in a manner that some deemed 'inconsiderate.'

The crux of the matter lies in the fact that while the vehicle was parked within the boundaries of the driver's property, the rear of the car was protruding onto the public footpath. This seemingly minor encroachment led to a passerby snapping a photo and taking to Facebook to voice their concerns. The post highlighted the challenges such parking poses for individuals with mobility issues, parents with prams, and children on bikes, who may find their path obstructed.

The online community was quick to weigh in, with opinions divided. Some sympathized with the driver, pointing out the notorious difficulty of finding parking in densely populated suburbs like Manly. They argued that residents are often left with no choice but to park in a way that may slightly extend beyond their driveways. Others, however, were less forgiving, emphasizing the importance of keeping footpaths clear for the safety and accessibility of all pedestrians.

A driver has been accused of being 'inconsiderate' for parking in their own driveway. Credit: Facebook

The law in New South Wales is clear on the matter: obstructing a pathway or pedestrian access with a parked vehicle is illegal, even if the car is parked on the owner's property. Offenders can face a $302 fine, a penalty that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of considerate parking. This regulation is not unique to NSW; it's a nationwide standard, with fines varying from state to state.

This incident not only sheds light on the issue of parking etiquette but also underscores a broader problem faced by Australians living in urban areas. The scarcity of parking spaces is a growing concern, and the situation in Manly is a microcosm of the challenges faced by residents in similar suburbs across the country. The question arises: what can be done to balance the needs of vehicle owners with the rights of pedestrians?

As we delve into this topic, it's essential to consider the perspectives of those who rely on clear footpaths for their daily activities. For individuals in wheelchairs, any deviation from a flat and unobstructed path can be dangerous. Parents maneuvering prams and children learning to ride bikes also depend on these spaces to be safe and accessible.

On the other hand, we must acknowledge the plight of residents who find themselves with limited parking options. The lack of adequate street parking permits and the design of some driveways leave some with no choice but to park in a less-than-ideal manner. It's a dilemma that calls for thoughtful urban planning and community cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• A driver in Manly, Sydney, has been criticised for parking in their driveway in a way that partially obstructs the footpath.
• Social media users debated whether this was an inconsiderate act or a necessity due to parking issues in densely populated suburbs.
• In NSW, drivers can face a $302 fine for obstructing a pathway or pedestrians even if they are parked on their own driveway.
• The situation highlights the broader problem of inadequate parking space in suburbs like Manly, prompting residents to park in less-than-ideal ways.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this issue. Have you encountered similar challenges in your neighborhood? How do you think communities can address the parking conundrum while ensuring the safety and accessibility of our footpaths? Join the conversation in the comments below, and let's explore solutions together.

 

[IAN3005]

Yes.... in Liverpool there are mobile vans that patrol to community seeking out vehicles that are parked that way. I went to pick something up from a house and my vehicle was parked in the driveway with about 10cm protruding onto the footpath. The owner of the house went into a panic informing me about the mobile van.
Even if the vehicle is parked on your premises, things like trailers and boats attract a hefty fine.
This van, manned by two people, constantly patrols the neighbourhood looking for offenders.
They have to have trailers and boats relocated.

 

[Rob44]

There are simply too many cars owned by families for the parking spaces available. Hence our commuter jams and lousy public transport.

 

[Wendy]

The houses round here have quite short driveways only good for a small car, not the big 4 wheel drive cars that most folk seem to have, plus there are usually more than 1 car per household.

 

[Towing]

By the number of cars parked in the street I guess you might not be able to park in front of your property either.

 

[Juliebarnes53]

The council reminds us from time to time that parking in driveways can hamper acceptability to emergency vehicles Ive seen neighbours have to rush out to move vehicles for the arrival of ambulances I’ve also seen neighbours argue about moving cars for ambulances when there was on street parking ,just a little further down the road

 

[marni]

This article Le was posted several days ago. As the photo showed the car was not in their driveway. It was parked in council property outside their driveway obstructing a footpath No surprise that they were fined

 

[PepeLePew]

In Qld parking like this is also illegal and if caught you will get a fine. Only damned rude and ignorant drivers do this as it inhibits the elderly going for a walk, parents pushing prams and/or with young children in care etc who quite often (in my area) have to walk out onto the road with traffic to get around the illegally parked cars.

 

[Luckyus]

Any way you look a it the car is blocking the footpath pure and simple?

 

[Ezzy]

The lessee of the property over the road was once pinged by a Ranger for parking half on the road & half on the footpath. There have been other who received warnings. Our street is only wide enough for a vehicle to be parked on the road, wheels against the kerb & enough room for a vehicle to drive slowly down the middle, one way only, up or down.

To avoid parking problems for our next door neighbours who regularly have numerous visitors, we make our 3 car wide drive available for their visitors. They ask first but avoids problems for them like the time a visitor across the road reversed out, hit a car of a visitor next door & drove off.

 

[Kevin. A.]

Unless there is no room between the front or rear of the vehicle and the wall at the end of the driveway, there should be little or no excuse to have part of the vehicle hanging over into the footpath area. However, if there is limited or insufficient space to park a vehicle then what alternatives do homeowners have to park their vehicles in a safe space.

 

[DiRose]

The houses round here have quite short driveways only good for a small car, not the big 4 wheel drive cars that most folk seem to have, plus there are usually more than 1 car per household.

Exactly, Many WA Properties have the same, the garage is so close to the front, there is not enough room to park between the garage and the footpath, unless you drive a Micro car!!! Wagon or 4x4- forget it!

 

[IAN3005]

About the time the council woke up to the fact that there are more cars on the road and consequently the need for more parking especially since the approved 2 x 5 bedroom townhouses... =10 cars ...... where do they park????

 

[Kevin. A.]

I found this story amusing after I watched "Better Homes and Gardens" on "7" last night 5th July 2024. The guy that does the woodworking projects fronts up to the dance studio, he parks his car in the driveway and guess what, the end of his car was across the footpath and on the concrete drive entrance from the road. You can watch the episode online.