It seems like the acceptability – or not – of the long-term parking of caravans and boat trailers on suburban streets is quickly becoming a hot button issue in towns and cities across the country.
The surge in the number of registered RVs, combined with shrinking block sizes, and often full and pricey vehicle storage facilities has created a perfect storm for travellers who are not actually on the road.
The problem is not everyone is thrilled by the prospect of having even legally parked RVs on their streets on a semi-permanent basis.
Sydney’s Sutherland Shire Council is the latest local authority to consider taking firmer action.
Caravans parked on Gold Coast roads have angered some residents. PIC: Cizzas
At its meeting last week, the council considered a motion relating to community concerns about the long-term parking of trailers (including boats and caravans), particularly around town centres and sports grounds.
“The issues raised included visual amenity, reduced sightlines, safety risks, and prolonged storage on public roads,” a council spokesperson told the Grey Nomads. “Council has not introduced any changes or new restrictions at this stage.”
However, councillors did request a detailed report to be ready for their meeting in April which would include: enforcement options under current legislation; recommended improvements to existing legislation; and options for a targeted trial of parking measures such as signage saying ‘No Parking, Motor Vehicles Excepted’ in certain hotspot locations.
“The requested report will allow Council to consider whether any trial measures are appropriate,” said the Sutherland Shire spokesperson, “Any changes would require a further Council resolution before implementation.”
And this issue is certainly not just restricted to Australia’s largest city. In October last year, the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) conference passed a motion calling for the state government to implement laws restricting on-street parking for recreational vehicles.
The issue, presented by the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast councils, now forms part of the LGAQ’s advocacy platform, although there was no immediate changes to any policy. Even grey nomads appear divided on what the best approach is to this growing issue.
Previous discussion has seen a broad consensus that some streets are not suitable for long-term parking of large vehicles, but many also argued that – as long as the vehicle is registered and is obeying local regulations – there is no drama.
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