Frustrating caravan trend becoming 'increasingly widespread' in Aussie suburbs
The popularity of caravans is putting a 'strain on urban areas' it's feared, with 'thousands' of parking complaints reported in Australia this year.
An image shared by a frustrated resident showing a narrow, suburban street has laid bare an increasingly frustrating problem often felt in cities across the country. It comes as caravan ownership continues to surge with domestic travel proving popular among Aussies.
But in some suburbs, the travel trend is putting a "strain on urban and suburban areas, where space is limited," Danny Gorog, CEO of council reporting app Snap Send Solve told Yahoo News. Additionally, "the presence of large vehicles exacerbates safety and accessibility issues" on residential streets, he said.
His comments were reflected in an image shared on Facebook this week showing a large caravan, together with a trailer, parked on a narrow street in Newcastle, a beachside city in New South Wales. On the other side of the road, a regular vehicle is also parked, limiting access for cars driving through.
The scenario promoted theories as to whether or not both vehicles are parked illegally, and who might be in the wrong. Many agreed, "they are both problematic" with the Mazda parked some distance from the kerb, in front of a badly deteriorating road. One said, "people that park their caravans in the street are a pet hate."
"Suburb's roads were built for a few dozen small cars and now they have hundreds. The area desperately needs to have a review of traffic management," one argued. Referring to the caravan, another said "don't get one if you don't have a yard to store it".
According to some residents, who appear familiar with the street in the suburb of Georgetown, the caravan "has been there for ages".
"I'd reckon that the caravan while parked legally, should not be able to park there permanently," one argued. However many agreed "the van has every right to be there".
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Council says caravan is parked legally
The City of Newcastle confirmed to Yahoo News it is aware of residents' concerns, but confirmed both vehicles are "legally parked" and therefore "there is no action" for council to take.
"Under the Public Spaces Unattended Property Act, property must remain attended. Often with these vehicles owners do live in the immediate vicinity and are attending to the property, so the vehicle is judged to be legally parked and consistently attended," a spokesperson said.
"City of Newcastle parking officers will inspect any location in the LGA to assist members of the public who believe a vehicle is parked contrary to regulations. The site nominated within the photos provided has been investigated and the two vehicles shown were confirmed to be legally parked at this time."
Illegally parked caravans becoming 'increasingly widespread'
Despite the vehicle owners parking legally on this occasion, in many suburbs it's not the case — especially as far as larger vehicles are concerned. Previously, a travelling family narrowly escaped a $1600 fine after parking their RAM 4WD and caravan in a friend's Gold Coast front yard.
Across Queensland, a fine can be issued if a heavy or long vehicle (over 7.5m) is parked in the street for more than an hour. Many other states including Victoria, NSW and Western Australiahave a similar parking rule.
This year, Snap Send Solve has seen "thousands" of reports of illegally parked caravans, boats and trailers across Australia. "With a dramatic rise in caravan ownership in recent years, the issue is becoming increasingly widespread," Gorog said.
Victoria is leading the count with 3,165 reports of illegally parked large vehicles. NSW follows closely with 2,482 reports, and Queensland with 1,842. Western Australia has reported 637 illegal parking incidents, while South Australia and Tasmania recorded 164 and 46, respectively.
"These numbers highlight the growing strain on urban and suburban areas, where space is limited, and the presence of large vehicles exacerbates safety and accessibility issues," he said.
Caravans parked on streets raise concerns over 'safety'
A common complaint is that these vehicles "obstruct visibility for drivers and make intersections and pedestrian crossings more dangerous".
"In many cases, they take up more than their fair share of parking spaces or block access to essential services like fire hydrants," Gorog added.
"By parking in non-designated areas, caravans also strain local councils, which need to enforce parking laws and address complaints. Ensuring proper regulations and designated parking is essential to maintain road safety and community order."
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