Inner West Council records increase in illegal parking on residential streets

An increase in dangerous and illegal parking in Sydney’s inner west, leaving some elderly residents unable to leave their homes, has sparked calls for a targeted educational campaign.

An inner city suburb has seen an increase in illegal and dangerous parking, leaving blocked residents furious and elderly people unable to leave their homes.

Councillors in Sydney’s Inner West have received a rise in complaints on motorists blocking driveways, using spaces to permanently park boats and even drivers painting over traffic signs.

Councillor Liz Atkins tabled a motion at an Inner West Council meeting on Tuesday which called on immediate action amid the rise and a targeted educational campaign amid the surge in dodgy parkers. The motion will be debated at next month’s meeting.

Cr Atkins said the worst area for parking offences was behind King St in Newtown, as drivers were “parking wherever they can to avoid time restrictions”.

“We’ve seen cars parked on pavements which prevents accessibility for people with disabilities,” Cr Atkins said.

An illegal park, blocking a driveway, in the inner west. The blurred word left by an angry resident rhymes with "cluck". Picture: Supplied

“Our elderly community are also being parked in their own homes and they can’t get to their appointments, which only increases their isolation.”

Cr Atkins said there had also been complaints about trailers, jet skis, boats and caravans permanently taking up car spaces and residents unable to enter or exit their street or driveway.

An illegal park, one of many seen across the inner west, pictured blocking a driveway. Picture: Supplied

While residents can report offences to council, the offending drivers have already moved on by the time rangers arrive.

“People are also painting out parking signs so they can argue that they didn’t know the restrictions,” Cr Atkins said.

“The council has to replace the signs before eventually charging the offenders.”

Despite the increase of parking complaints landing on her desk, Cr Atkins said it was the nature of the offence that was causing issues for residents.

“All councillors get complaints about parking — it’s not about the numbers but the type of parking issues that are being raised,” Cr Atkins said.

“People not being able to leave their home because there’s a car parked in their driveway is a real problem.”

Cr Atkin’s proposed education plan will focus on reminding residents of parking restrictions and safety rules that “allow people to get into their homes”.

“We want to encourage people to not also not take cars when necessary and consider public transport when possible.”