Vehicles found to be blocking driveways will be swiftly towed as part of a 12-month trial approved by Waverley Council, in a bid to crack down on illegal parking.
In the last financial year, Council has received 2,136 complaints from residents unable to exit or enter their properties due to blocked access by vehicles.
“One of the most common complaints locals share with me is being unable to get into or leave their homes because someone has thoughtlessly parked across their driveways,” said Mayor, Will Nemesh.
“Council has heard these concerns and will now run a trial over one year and evaluate the feasibility of permanently adopting the policy.”
The Council says vehicles found to be blocking driveways will be relocated, and owners issued with an infringement notice. Towing will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with the process initiated by a resident lodging a complaint.
Waverley parking officers will attend the location and determine the best course of action, taking into consideration safety and the prospect of towing a vehicle without causing property damage. Officers will aim to respond to complaints and arrange towing within three hours during normal rostered hours, or the next day.
The trial will be implemented with assistance from NSW Police and a contracted towing provider, to be procured by Council prior to commencement. A start date will be announced when arrangements are finalised.
Where feasible, offending vehicles will be towed to the nearest legal parking space, with NSW Police to advise the registered owner of the relocation, the Council said.
The initiative seeks to increase deterrence against illegal parking and improve turnaround response times for affected residents.
“It is clear that tougher measures and more immediate consequences are needed to stop motorists from parking illegally and blocking property access,” said Mayor Nemesh.
