Council's trailer and boat blitz raises questions
Trailer Laws
Douglas Shire residents have questioned the council’s “crackdown” on trailers, caravans and boats parked in suburban streets, saying some streets are being targeted and council is potentially overstepping its authority.
One resident, who asked to not be named, says recent investigations across a number of Queensland councils had revealed local councils currently cannot create a bylaw that overrules State road rules
Another, also wanting to remain anonymous, says they feel targeted, receiving three $66 infringement notices last week for parking offences at the front of their suburban street property, including one for parking on a council footpath despite there being no footpath in their cul de sac.
“Queensland local councils currently cannot create a bylaw that overrules state road rules to ban trailers and smaller caravans (under 4.5 tonnes and 7.5 metres) from on-street parking without using specific signage,’’ the questioning resident said.
“Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management-Road Rules) Regulation 2009, registered vehicles of this size are legally allowed to park on residential streets indefinitely, provided they do not obstruct traffic.”
The resident said for a council to regulate parking in a specific area - such as a
"traffic area" - Queensland Main Roads stipulate they must install official traffic signs street by street.
“I find it ridiculous and bordering on the verge of bullying by council to target ratepayers who are rightfully allowed to park smaller trailers outside their property,’’ they said.
Speaking about the trio of fines, the Port Douglas resident said two of the fines were stuck to the vehicle and boat trailer parked on their front lawn, while one was sent by mail.
It included a fine for allegedly parking on a council footpath or bikepath, despite there being no path in the street.
One, the resident said, was issued for the car protruding onto the street despite the boat trailer still being attached to the car.
“It was quite clear that we had just returned with the boat and the boat was still attached to the car and was on our front lawn,’’ the resident said.
They claim the local laws officer from Douglas Shire Council made comment at the time they were first issued a fine that if the occupants cleaned out their shed they’d be able to fit another car in there.
Douglas Shire Council has been requested by Newsport to provide clarification on its stance to issue fines for trailers, boats and caravans parked in streets and to advise of the number of fines issued in the past two months.
A council spokesperson said the information is still being prepared for publication.