Concern over cars parked on footpaths

Published prior to 2016

Council is concerned about people jeopardising the safety and accessibility of some footpaths by parking their cars on them.

“We’ve had a number of complaints lately about this issue,” Council’s Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says.

“When cars block even part of a footpath, it can make it much harder and sometimes impossible for wheelchair users, people pushing buggies or pushchairs, and those on mobility scooters to get past. It’s really important drivers know where they shouldn’t park for the safety and consideration of other people.”

“Illegal parking can also obstruct the view of pedestrians when crossing streets and be hazardous to other road users.”

Council is working closely with local police and community groups to ensure people are parking legally and not creating additional hazards.

Drivers must not park or stop their vehicles:

on any part of a footpath
on broken yellow (no stopping) lines
on, or closer than 15 metres to, a pedestrian crossing or an intersection (unless there are parking spaces or a notice stating you can park there)
in front of, or closer than 1 metre to, a vehicle entrance
alongside another parked vehicle (i.e. no double parking)
near a corner, curve, hill, traffic island or intersection, if it will stop other people from seeing along the road
on a bus stop, taxi stand or traffic island
closer than 6 metres to a bus stop marked only by a sign
where signs say you must not stop or park
where a sign says part of a road is reserved for specified kinds of vehicles (e.g. buses, taxis or goods service vehicles)
in a cycle lane
in a bus or transit lane when operating
on, or closer than 500mm to, a fire hydrant, unless somebody who can move the vehicle stays with it
on a yellow circle on the road containing a rectangle or between the circle and the footpath, unless somebody who can move the vehicle stays with it
on the right-hand side of the road, except in a one-way street.

Sufficient room must also be left between your vehicle and any adjacent parked vehicles to allow easy access.

Updated 4 April 2019