Fines for footpath parking draw residents’ ire

If you think “parking politely” comes without penalty, think again after a council north of Brisbane dished out fines.

Vehicles "polite parked" near a construction site on Lakefield Drive, North Lakes to avoid crossing the marked line. Picture: David Alexander

Social media lit up after residents on Suntrust St and Trump Circuit, North Lakes, were fined for “polite parking” - putting two wheels on the footpath on a narrow street in order to keep the street clear.

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Narrow streets, a lack of available parking spaces and the plethora of construction activity mean finding a safe and legal place to park can often be difficult.

But Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) tends to take a more lenient approach to fines. All of which did little to calm incensed residents.

“The council approved the development,” said one resident. “I work in North Lakes and it’s very difficult to find parking.”

“This might need a petition of concerned residents to council,” said another resident. “Amazing that a lot of streets are too narrow for parking and through-traffic.

“A penny-pinching scheme which nets developers and council more money, but leaves residents with a nightmare.”

Sentiment was not all damning, however.

“The problem is not planning, the problem is people use garages for storing everything except their vehicles,” said one person.

“Regardless if you’ve left ample room on the footpath, it’s the law therefore suck it up if you receive a fine,” said another.

A MBRC spokesman said residents had been forewarned.

“Council received a number of parking complaints this year relating to drivers illegally parking their cars on nature strips in Suntrust St and Trump Cct,” the MBRC spokesman said.

“On May 23 council rangers issued warning notices to illegally parked cars and distributed fact sheets to homes in both of these streets.

“A follow-up patrol on May 26 resulted in infringements being issued.

“Parking cars on nature strips is a breach of Section 197 of the Transport Road Use Management Regulations (Road Rules) 2009.”

Rules often broken

■ Stopping on a road in a position that obstructs access to and from a footpath, driveway etc;

■ Failing to leave 1m of space in front of and behind your vehicle when parallel parking;

■ Failing to leave at least three metres between a vehicle and a continuous dividing line in the road or the opposite side of the road if there is no marked line;

■ Parking or stopping within 20m of traffic lights at the intersection;

■ Parking or stopping within 10m of any intersection without traffic lights unless signposted;

■ Parking or stopping within 20m before or 10m after a pedestrian crossing, unless signposted

Have you been caught by odd road rules? Email [e-mail]