Newtown parking problem for Inner West Council

A council blunder has effectively encouraged motorists to park on both sides of this street, creating a road block in the inner west.

Fitzroy Lane at Newtown

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Is this the silliest road sign stuff-up in Sydney?

Motorists have often been unable to travel along Fitzroy Lane at Newtown after a sign was installed effectively encouraging motorists to park on both sides.

Newtown resident Sally Souter said previously only one side of the street had a ‘No parking, 5am-10am Mondays’ sign, which ensured garbage trucks could fit through the lane.

The additional sign at Fitzroy Lane, Newtown, has made things worse. Picture: Sally Souter

A sign with the same message was recently installed on the other side of the lane.

This effectively encouraged motorists to park on both sides, according to Ms Souter, which they did.

“Some people just park right opposite each other,” she said.

“People will park anywhere. They are desperate.”

She appealed for authorities to take action.

“They need to take down one of the signs so people only park on one side, or stop people parking in the lane completely. It’s not a very big lane,” she said.

Pedestrians walk along Fitzroy Lane. Picture: Monique Harmer

An Inner West Council spokeswoman said `No Parking’ signage for one side of the lane was endorsed by its traffic committee this month.

Councillors are still to vote on the recommendation.

She said Australian road rules require that motorists do no park their vehicle so that it obstructs other vehicles or pedestrians.