This simple parking mistake cost a driver $283: ‘That’s kind of dangerous’

Parking woes are a common suburban battle, with tensions often running high between neighbours over the use of shared spaces and street etiquette.

In a recent incident that has sparked debate among Australians, a woman took to social media to vent her frustration over her neighbour's parking habits, which led to a costly consequence for the vehicle owner.



The woman, fed up with what she described as an 'obnoxious bloke' and his 'over loud, oversized vehicle,' shared her story of 'petty' revenge.

The neighbour's large ute was reportedly parked so that its tray protruded onto the footpath, partially blocking it.


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A woman shared her story of ‘petty’ revenge over a driver’s parking habit. Credit: Facebook


While the vehicle was parked within the confines of the driveway, this manner of parking is not only inconsiderate but also illegal, attracting a hefty fine of $283, which can vary depending on the council area.

‘This noise-polluting monstrosity should be banned,’ she said. ‘Or at least parked on the street (preferably not ours).’

Taking matters into her own hands, she reported the parking violation to the Northern Beaches Council, an action she acknowledged as petty but felt was necessary to address the 'grubby' behaviour.



The council's regulations are clear: residents must not park in or across a driveway, even their own, to ensure pedestrian safety and access.

The minimum penalty for such an infraction is $283, as stated on the council's website.

‘Ensure your car is within the front boundary of the property or parked safely in the street,’ the guidelines said.

After the incident was reported through the Snap, Snap, Solve app, the council confirmed that the driver was indeed fined.

Although council officers have since patrolled the area and found no repeated instances, the woman was dismayed to see the ute still parked in the driveway, leading her to question the council's commitment to resolving the issue.



‘Vengeance is sadly not mine,’ she joked.

‘Today, I received an email from the council saying the matter has been resolved. Do council not care, or is this an insufficient crime for any action to be taken?’ she asked.

The community's reaction to the incident has been mixed.

Some locals support the fine, citing the dangers posed to pedestrians.



‘I’m surprised he doesn’t get booked as he is blocking the footpath for prams and wheelchairs,’ one person said.

‘That’s kind of dangerous. Plus disabled or kids on bikes could slam into it,’ another shared.

Others, however, feel the complaint was unwarranted and suggest that the woman should focus on her own business rather than policing her neighbour's parking.

‘You sound like one of those neighbours that sticks their noses into other people's business," one said.

‘Car park is sh*te, but it doesn’t seem like it’s affecting you. Take a deep breath and stop working yourself up over things that really don’t matter,’ another said.
Key Takeaways
  • A Sydney resident was frustrated with her neighbour's parking habits, leading to her reporting him to the Northern Beaches Council.
  • The neighbour's vehicle was parked in such a way that it was partially blocking the footpath, which is illegal and subject to a $283 fine.
  • After being reported, the council confirmed that the driver was fined, and they have since patrolled the area to prevent further instances.
  • The action has divided locals, with some supporting the fine for illegal parking, while others see the reporting as petty and suggest minding one's own business.
Have you ever encountered similar parking issues in your neighbourhood? Do you think the woman's actions were justified, or was it an overreaction? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below!
 
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As a user of a mobility scooter, I can assure you these people who park on or across a driveway are a pain, also those who have lovely hedges but do not trim them clear of the footpath. Please folks, give us a clear footpcomp
 
Complain to council I do it quite regularly and they come and clean the tree/bush/hedge up and in most cases I believe charge the home owner for the privilege of doing so.
 
Everybody? Are you in a position to say that?

I hope you get told to 'lighten up' when a comment is personal.
l have a daughter called Karen and anyone with the same name will find it's so offensive to have their name related to someone who's not the full quid.Don't be so rude David the dickhead!
 
Ok.

I'm not either, it's not me their insulting. My mother is a different matter.
Nobody mentioned your mother personally, in fact nobody knew that was your mother's name until you mentioned it.
My mother's name was Myrtle, she hated it. Most people would say what a terrible name, she never took offence, just laughed and agreed. She never thought people were insulting "her".
 
l have a daughter called Karen and anyone with the same name will find it's so offensive to have their name related to someone who's not the full quid.Don't be so rude David the dickhead!
My best friend's name is Karen, she doesn't take offence, in fact she often says " I'm such a Karen".
It's not a personal thing, calling someone a "dickhead"is though.
People in glass houses???
 
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l have a daughter called Karen and anyone with the same name will find it's so offensive to have their name related to someone who's not the full quid.Don't be so rude David the dickhead!
I have a mate named Roger. It also is a slang term commonly used to mean to have sexual intercourse. At times I tell him to "go Roger yourself". Does it worry him? No.

My nickname is Veg or Veggie which is a derogatory term for a person with disability. Does it worry me? No.

Some people are too damn sensitive!
 
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She is correct, he should not be parked on. Footpath. How can people on Mobility scooters & with pramS go past.

lt all boils down to consideration for other which some people lack .l will just mention there was this person in her car who would come flying out of the her driveway right across the public footpath nearly run over
My best friend's name is Karen, she doesn't take offence, in fact she often says " I'm such a Karen".
It's not a personal thing, calling someone a "dickhead"is though.
People in glass houses???
Whatever! can't be bothered to argue with you
 
Not in agreement in regard to the parking. Street parking is available to all.

As for the leaves, well Councils do not allow people to plant or request the planting of particular trees. It (Council) chooses them and plants them so it owns them 😉.

The woman could be seen as complying with Council's ownership by ensuring the owner's continuing possession.
Wish they would come and mow their grass
 
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My goodness just go around the car. I have a family member that lives in the city there is no parking let alone parking etiquette. If the car is off the road it's all good.
 
Certainly justified as it is a case of a caring community person. It is my experience whilst driving many kilometers a year, both on local roads an highways, that there are numerous duelcab ute drivers who don't care about anyone else but themselves. Anyway, apart from tradies, farmers, etc., who needs them.
 
For what we can see in this photo ...there is plenty space for even a wheelchair to pass by behind the ute.... Yeap I do agree that this lady should take a big breath and mind her own front yard.
 
The guy was fined and now,as she says, he parks it on his own property, and she stills continues to complain.
There's no pleasing some people.
She said "council officer patrols have been made since the incident and state they have not found any more issues, yet when she checks the ute is still protruding from his garage. How would you feel if a child or any person was run over because he cannot see people approaching whilst backing out!!!!!
 
Thats awful! in future if l refer to you l will call you ''Reggie'' lol

they certainly are sensitive. When I was growing up during the 50's,60's we were always calling names to the Italians, Greeks, Polish etc but they learned to call us names too, before long we were all friends. Get over the sensitivity.
 
She said "council officer patrols have been made since the incident and state they have not found any more issues, yet when she checks the ute is still protruding from his garage. How would you feel if a child or any person was run over because he cannot see people approaching whilst backing out!!!!!
Nearly everybody backs out of their garage, if the car is protruding from his garage that is not her business, he could park it in his drive if he wished, as long as it is on his property and not the footpath.
Council have already told her there is no longer an issue .
 
they certainly are sensitive. When I was growing up during the 50's,60's we were always calling names to the Italians, Greeks, Polish etc but they learned to call us names too, before long we were all friends. Get over the sensitivity.
But why do it? Why be offensive and what does it achieve ?
 

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