A Sunshine Coast resident is calling for more action to address caravans being parked on suburban streets, as the council asks the state government to investigate options for managing the issue.
Palmview resident Laiju Devassy has started an online petition calling for Sunshine Coast Council to look at how it enforces parking restrictions for caravans, as well as to identify alternative parking locations or introduce new legislation.
Mr Devassy was prompted to begin the petition after two caravans were parked on either side of his driveway on Laxton Road.
“The current parking practices are giving rise to several issues that I believe are compromising both public safety and the functionality of local infrastructure,” the petition states.
In a Facebook post, Mr Devassy said he had reported the issue to the council but it was not able to act on it.
“They responded by saying that caravans are allowed to park on both sides of a driveway as long as they don’t physically block access in or out,” it said.
“We also contacted Queensland Police but they stated they have no authority over this matter since the caravans are parked on a public street.”
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A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson has previously told Sunshine Coast News the council is responsible for regulating parking in accordance with the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009 and its Local Laws.
According to the Queensland road rules, registered vehicles such as caravans, trailers, boats and vehicles are permitted to remain safely parked on the road indefinitely, except where parking restrictions apply.
Council officers actively patrol these areas, and those parked unlawfully may receive an infringement notice.
Drivers must park lawfully, safely and consider other road users and pedestrians when parking their vehicle.
The council has submitted a motion for the Local Government Association of Queensland’s annual conference, to be held in October, asking the state government to investigate options for managing recreational vehicle (RV) parking.
“This motion seeks to address a matter that is increasingly causing concern across the community in relation to the storage of recreational vehicles on roads,” it says.
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“The motion calls on the state government to investigate and develop options for managing the storage of recreational vehicles on roads which can have negative impacts in relation to safety, parking capacity and amenity.
“Recreational vehicles (including caravans, trailers, boats, mobile homes and other non-passenger vehicles) have been observed being parked (or ‘stored’) for long periods on the road, resulting in a large number of complaints from concerned residents.
“The parking of recreational vehicles can obstruct visibility for drivers and pedestrians, creating potential safety hazards. Secondly, parking can be challenging in many locations across the region. The long-term parking of recreational vehicles can increase parking congestion leading to frustration for other residents. The visual amenity of these areas is also negatively impacted.
“While Sunshine Coast Council has explored intervention options, the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 does not provide practical options for local governments to address this issue without affecting all vehicles parked in the local government area.”
Councillors voted unanimously to carry the motion at the ordinary meeting on July 24.
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Mr Devassy cites reduced visibility, traffic congestion, stormwater blockages and obstruction of vegetation strip maintenance as reasons for starting the petition.
“The parking of caravans on the street is obstructing sightlines for motorists, particularly at intersections and curves. This significantly reduces the ability to safely observe oncoming traffic, creating a heightened risk of accidents,” the petition states.
“The size and positioning of the caravans frequently block one lane of the road, forcing vehicles to navigate around them into oncoming traffic. This leads to congestion and delays, and poses additional safety risks, especially during peak periods.
“The caravans are also obstructing the flow of stormwater in designated drainage areas, resulting in water pooling on the roadway during rainfall. This creates the potential for flooding and property damage, and further exacerbates traffic disruptions.
“The caravans obstruct access to the council-maintained vegetation strip, hindering necessary mowing and general maintenance. This affects the aesthetic quality of the street and the upkeep of public spaces.”
Click here to see the petition.
