Getting slapped with a hefty parking fine is never pleasant, but for many Australian seniors, the real issue isn't just about the money—it's about understanding how something as simple as blocking a footpath can genuinely impact our community's most vulnerable members.
A recent incident near Newcastle's Waratah station has sparked fresh debate about footpath parking enforcement, after a grey ute was spotted completely blocking pedestrian access for more than 24 hours.
Frustrated pedestrians were forced to walk onto the road just to get past, highlighting a problem that's becoming increasingly common across Australian cities.
When 'just a quick stop' becomes a costly mistake
The driver of that Newcastle ute could face a $330 fine under NSW Road Rule 198, which makes it illegal to park in a way that blocks or partially blocks a footpath. But that's actually on the lower end of what Australian drivers are facing in 2025.
Some councils have doubled parking fines from $320 to $660 for blocking driveways, while offending vehicles are now being towed to nearby parking spots with police notifying owners of their car's new location.
'It can be a really frustrating and galling experience for people'
What blocked footpaths really cost Australian drivers in 2025
NSW: $330 (or $362 in school zones)
Victoria: $102 to $204
Queensland: Calculated using penalty units worth $166.90 each
Some councils: Up to $660 plus towing costs
Note: NSW penalties increased by 3.2 per cent as of July 2025
The rules are clear across Australia: you cannot park on a footpath, painted island, traffic island, bicycle path, shared path, dividing strip or nature strip in a built-up area unless a sign permits it. The maximum penalty can reach a staggering $2,200 in NSW (20 penalty units at $110 each), though most fines are considerably lower.
The hidden impact on our community's most vulnerable
While the fines grab headlines, the real story lies in how blocked footpaths affect people who rely on mobility aids—a group that includes many Australians over 60.
Australian Standards require a minimum width of 1800mm for two people using wheelchairs to pass each other. When cars encroach on footpaths, even partially, this essential clearance disappears.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Australian Human Rights Commission handled a case where a man with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair couldn't reach shops or bus stops for months due to barriers blocking his footpath. When the Commission contacted the local council, the barriers were removed within days.
Real-world impacts include wheelchair users finding footpaths 'difficult and dangerous to negotiate because of bumps, tree roots and café tables and chairs,' leading to council settlements requiring clear passage lines for people with mobility or vision impairments.
Why councils are cracking down harder than ever
The enforcement landscape changed significantly in 2025. Starting July 1, 2025, parking officers in NSW must leave a physical parking fine or notification on vehicles, most commonly under windshield wipers. This requirement was brought in to allow people to collect timely evidence about surrounding parking conditions if they want to dispute the fine.
The Inner West is believed to be the first inner-city council in Australia to introduce such comprehensive parking measures, including the doubled fines and immediate towing policy.
Example Scenario
- Council officers shared stories of residents missing medical appointments or being late for childcare drop-offs because their driveways were blocked—even a few minutes of obstruction can cause significant problems in densely populated areas.
The crackdown isn't just about revenue. NSW drivers lost over $200 million to parking fines in 2024, but councils argue it's about accessibility and safety in increasingly crowded urban areas.
Your rights when challenging a parking fine
Here's some encouraging news: 23 per cent of challenged parking fines were waived or reduced in NSW in 2024. This suggests that if you believe you've been unfairly fined, it's worth mounting a challenge.
If you wish to challenge a fine, make sure you get photographs of the parking to prove that your vehicle has left adequate space for pedestrians to pass. People may find it worth challenging the fine if they have left more than enough room on the footpath for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams to get by.
Steps to challenge a parking fine
- Take photos of the parking offence and notification on your vehicle
- View additional photos online or contact Revenue NSW if not available online
- Document the space available for pedestrians to pass safely
- Use the Review Assist Guide to find out about review options
- Call Revenue NSW on 1300 138 118 for payment plans or fine enquiries
Simple strategies to stay on the right side of the law
The best approach is prevention. Road Rule 198 does allow stopping on or across a driveway for dropping off or picking up passengers, but you cannot leave the vehicle and can't stop for longer than two minutes.
For regular parking situations, always ensure your vehicle is completely clear of the footpath. Some owners have been fined when just a small portion of their vehicle was on the footpath, with motorists complaining fines were issued when only the front wheels were on the footpath, despite leaving pedestrians plenty of room to pass.
Remember, understanding these regulations can save you hundreds in fines, so keep updated with your local council's regulations and always check signage carefully—even in familiar areas.
What This Means For You
The Newcastle ute incident serves as a reminder that what might seem like a harmless 'quick stop' can have serious consequences—both for your wallet and for community members who depend on clear, accessible footpaths to get around safely.
Have you encountered blocked footpaths in your area, or do you have experience challenging a parking fine? We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for fellow readers navigating these increasingly complex parking rules.
Original Article
https://au.news.yahoo.com/ute-driver-risks-330-fine-for-inconsiderate-parking-offence-054106962.html
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: Under NSW Road Rule 198, motorists have been fined $283 if their car blocks or partially blocks a footpath, even when it is parked in front of the dri...
Excerpt: The driver of that Newcastle ute could face a $330 fine under NSW Road Rule 198, which makes it illegal to park in a way that blocks or partially blocks a footpath
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
Are you making this common driveway mistake? It could now cost you a $660 fine | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: In response, the council has doubled fines for parking across driveways from $320 to $660.
Excerpt: Some councils have doubled parking fines from $320 to $660 for blocking driveways
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...way-mistake-it-could-now-cost-you-a-660-fine/
Are you making this common driveway mistake? It could now cost you a $660 fine | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: But that’s not all—offending vehicles will now be towed to a nearby parking spot, and police will notify owners of their car’s new location.
Excerpt: offending vehicles are now being towed to nearby parking spots with police notifying owners of their car's new location
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...way-mistake-it-could-now-cost-you-a-660-fine/
Parking fines | City of Melbourne
Cited text: Parking fines range from $102 to $204 for the 2025-26 financial year, depending on the offence.
Excerpt: Victoria: $102 to $204
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/parking-fines
Parking tickets and fines | Brisbane City Council
Cited text: As of 1 July 2025, the value of a penalty unit is equal to $166.90.
Excerpt: Queensland: Calculated using penalty units worth $166.90 each
https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/transport-and-parking/parking/parking-tickets-and-fines
Every new Australian road rule and fine taking effect from July 1 2025 | Open Road
Cited text: Beginning with the Premier state, all penalties, fees and charges in NSW have increased by 3.2 per cent from July 1 to reflect the CPI.
Excerpt: NSW penalties increased by 3.2 per cent as of July 2025
https://www.mynrma.com.au/open-road/news/2025/new-road-rules-and-fines
Parking rules and fines | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government
Cited text: You are not allowed to park on a footpath, painted island, traffic island, bicycle path, shared path, dividing strip or a nature strip adjacent to a r...
Excerpt: you cannot park on a footpath, painted island, traffic island, bicycle path, shared path, dividing strip or nature strip in a built-up area unless a sign permits it
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/parking
Parking rules and fines | Transport and motoring | Queensland Government
Cited text: on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path, dividing strip, nature strip, or painted island, unless signs tell you otherwise · on a road in a way that b...
Excerpt: you cannot park on a footpath, painted island, traffic island, bicycle path, shared path, dividing strip or nature strip in a built-up area unless a sign permits it
https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/fines/parking
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: The law says the maximum fine for parking on footpaths is 20 penalty units. In NSW this is 20 times $110—a staggering $2,200.
Excerpt: The maximum penalty can reach a staggering $2,200 in NSW (20 penalty units at $110 each)
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
Frequently asked questions: Access to premises | Australian Human Rights Commission
Cited text: For example, the advice draws on Figure 2 of AS 1428.2 that shows the minimum width required for 2 people using wheelchairs to pass each other is 1800...
Excerpt: Australian Standards require a minimum width of 1800mm for two people using wheelchairs to pass each other
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/frequently-asked-questions-access-premises
DDA conciliated cases: access to premises | Australian Human Rights Commission
Cited text: A man who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair complained that the footpath adjacent to his home had been blocked for a number of months by barric...
Excerpt: The Australian Human Rights Commission handled a case where a man with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair couldn't reach shops or bus stops for months due to barriers blocking his footpath.
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/dda-conciliated-cases-access-premises
Frequently asked questions: Access to premises | Australian Human Rights Commission
Cited text: A man who uses a wheelchair complained that footpaths in his area were difficult and dangerous to negotiate because of bumps, tree roots and café tabl...
Excerpt: Real-world impacts include wheelchair users finding footpaths 'difficult and dangerous to negotiate because of bumps, tree roots and café tables and chairs,' leading to council settlements requiring clear passage lines for people with…
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/frequently-asked-questions-access-premises
Changes to parking fines | State Library of New South Wales
Cited text: Starting 1 July 2025, parking officers must leave a physical parking fine or notification of a parking fine on vehicles. Most commonly, it will be lef...
Excerpt: Starting July 1, 2025, parking officers in NSW must leave a physical parking fine or notification on vehicles, most commonly under windshield wipers
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/find-legal-answers/news/changes-parking-fines
Changes to parking fines | State Library of New South Wales
Cited text: This requirement was brought in to allow people to collect timely evidence about the surrounding parking conditions if they want to dispute the fine.
Excerpt: This requirement was brought in to allow people to collect timely evidence about surrounding parking conditions if they want to dispute the fine
https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/find-legal-answers/news/changes-parking-fines
Are you making this common driveway mistake? It could now cost you a $660 fine | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: The Inner West is believed to be the first inner-city council in Australia to introduce such parking measures.
Excerpt: The Inner West is believed to be the first inner-city council in Australia to introduce such comprehensive parking measures
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...way-mistake-it-could-now-cost-you-a-660-fine/
Are you making this common driveway mistake? It could now cost you a $660 fine | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: Councillor Chloe Smith explained: ‘It can be a really frustrating and galling experience for people.’ · She shared stories of residents missing medica...
Excerpt: Council officers shared stories of residents missing medical appointments or being late for childcare drop-offs because their driveways were blocked—even a few minutes of obstruction can cause significant problems in densely populated…
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...way-mistake-it-could-now-cost-you-a-660-fine/
NSW Parking Fines: The Rules You Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: NSW drivers lost over $200 million to parking fines in 2024, with many being caught out by rules they didn't know existed.
Excerpt: NSW drivers lost over $200 million to parking fines in 2024
https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-parking-fines-the-rules-you-need-to-know-in-2025/
NSW Parking Fines: The Rules You Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: According to Revenue NSW data, 23 per cent of challenged parking fines were waived or reduced in 2024.
Excerpt: 23 per cent of challenged parking fines were waived or reduced in NSW in 2024
https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-parking-fines-the-rules-you-need-to-know-in-2025/
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: If you wish to challenge the fine, make sure you get photographs of the parking to prove that your vehicle has left adequate space for pedestrians to ...
Excerpt: If you wish to challenge a fine, make sure you get photographs of the parking to prove that your vehicle has left adequate space for pedestrians to pass
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: People may find it worth challenging the fine if they have left more than enough room on the footpath for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams to get by...
Excerpt: People may find it worth challenging the fine if they have left more than enough room on the footpath for pedestrians, wheelchairs and prams to get by
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
Parking fine system | NSW Government
Cited text: The parking officer must also take photos of the parking offence, and the fine or notification on the vehicle, where it is safe to do so.
Excerpt: Take photos of the parking offence and notification on your vehicle
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/parking-fine-system
Parking fine system | NSW Government
Cited text: You can view these photos online or, if not available online, by contacting Revenue NSW.
Excerpt: View additional photos online or contact Revenue NSW if not available online
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/parking-fine-system
Parking fine system | NSW Government
Cited text: To find out about review options, visit the Review Assist Guide.
Excerpt: Use the Review Assist Guide to find out about review options
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/parking-fine-system
Parking fine system | NSW Government
Cited text: Call Revenue NSW Monday to Friday between 7am to 7pm.
Excerpt: Call Revenue NSW on 1300 138 118 for payment plans or fine enquiries
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/parking-fine-system
Parking fine system | NSW Government
Cited text: Call 1300 138 118 if you have a fine that is not yet overdue and you would like to set up a payment plan.
Excerpt: Call Revenue NSW on 1300 138 118 for payment plans or fine enquiries
https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/fines-and-fees/fines/parking-fine-system
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: But many NSW councils are cracking down, using Road Rule 198 in the NSW Road Rules 2014, which say a driver is not permitted to stop on or across a dr...
Excerpt: Road Rule 198 does allow stopping on or across a driveway for dropping off or picking up passengers, but you cannot leave the vehicle and can't stop for longer than two minutes
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
Little known NSW Road Rule 198 could cost you hundreds—Stacks Law Firm
Cited text: However, some owners are being fined when just a small portion of their vehicle is on the footpath. Motorists have complained a fine was issued when j...
Excerpt: Some owners have been fined when just a small portion of their vehicle was on the footpath, with motorists complaining fines were issued when only the front wheels were on the footpath, despite leaving pedestrians plenty of room to pass
https://stacklaw.com.au/news/person...own-nsw-road-rule-198-could-cost-you-hundreds
NSW Parking Fines: The Rules You Need to Know in 2025
Cited text: While parking rules might seem complex, understanding these regulations can save you hundreds in fines. Keep updated with your local council's regulat...
Excerpt: understanding these regulations can save you hundreds in fines, so keep updated with your local council's regulations and always check signage carefully—even in familiar areas
https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-parking-fines-the-rules-you-need-to-know-in-2025/
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