City of Canterbury Bankstown Council is cracking down on illegal footway parking in a bid to ensure the safety of pedestrians and avoid damage to council assets and utilities.
In a campaign launched by the Council this week, motorists are being reminded that parking across a footpath, driveway or grassed area is illegal and could attract fines exceeding $319.
The campaign comes after Council issued a record number of fines last year, with 6,429 infringements handed out to those parked on footpaths and across driveways.
A local ‘postie’ who is fed up with those parking on the footpath said it’s affecting the way he does his daily rounds.
“Illegally parked cars and other obstacles on the nature strip, driveways and footpaths pose significant challenges for all posties,” he said.
“They obstruct access to mailboxes, not only delaying mail delivery, but also creating safety risks as we need to manoeuvre around parked cars.
“Cars parked partially or entirely on footpaths force us to step onto the road, exposing us to traffic dangers.”
Mayor, Bilal El-Hayek said footway parking is an ongoing issue, with Council receiving an average of 150 complaints per month.
“Parking on footways puts pedestrians in danger and damages our footpaths, nature strips and utilities,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“It creates trip hazards for pedestrians and costs council thousands in fixing these assets.
“Many people don’t realise that the land from their fence line to the kerb is owned by Council and our campaign reminds drivers that parking your car there is illegal and you will be slapped with a fine.”
Council’s campaign is being shared across social media as well as letter box dropping of problem areas.
“This campaign is about education and in some instances, we will be placing flyers on offending vehicles rather than issuing fines,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
Residents who see someone parking on a footway are encouraged to report them to Council online at cb.city/ReportIt or call council on 9707 9000.
