Parking on Footpaths - Is It Ever Ok?

L1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 13:50
Last edited 13/07/2017 - 14:45 by 1 other user

Is it unreasonable to ask my neighbours not to park on footpath up against my window?

We rent a place that's on the corner of a small street. We are lucky to have a garage but other people on the street have built gardens instead and they have multiple cars.

People park on the footpath up against our window so we started putting our bins on either side so the window isn't blocked. One neighbour keeps moving the bins and parking one of their cars there. Today she shouted at me and said I'm causing problems with the bins and that "she pays rates." (That's a bit classist - right?)

Anyway, I know you aren't supposed to park on footpaths by my council has said they don't care. I have no idea what to do…
Back down or stand my ground?

Any advice would be great!

Edit: am I just being obnoxious/ should I let it go? What would you do in this situation?

Edit2: https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/171031/49364/20170527_…

That is (one of her) cars taken from my lounge room, with the moved bins.

Edit3: ok so I got home from work today and she had parked both of her cars in front of her house https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/171031/49375/20170529_…
The other neighbours are either in the empty houses' driveways (there are two) or parked on "my" footpath but away from the window. Someone has taken all the bins of the footpaths on the street except mine (which are where I left them this morning) and placed them in the empty houses' front yard. If anything happens from here I'll update again. I did email Vic Roads just to ask what the best coarse of action was so they'll reply eventually. Looks like the street may have come to an understanding… Thanks to everyone for helping me and giving me excellent ideas.

Automotive

Comments

  • holdenmg on 27/05/2017 - 13:58
    +7

    Parking Operations provides information and enforcement of parking conditions for public areas across the ACT

    https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/ci/fattach/get/97634/1…

    Parking Operations can be contacted on:
    02 6207 7201
    or
    [email protected]

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 14:27
      +2

      Hey, I am living in Victoria at the moment. Having spent most of my life in Canberra, I feel that they would be firmly opposed to parking on footpaths. My friend got a ticket for parking on their nature strip in Reid once!

      • holdenmg on 27/05/2017 - 14:51
        +23

        I'd suggest you go and see the Council or contact your local Councillors.

        Take some photos, talk about the Health and Safety Issues associated with someone putting a Vehicle right outside your window along with the safety issues, noise and pollution. Also, note the times the Car comes and goes.

        You could argue that in the event of a fire it would impede the Fire Brigade being able to extinguish a fire or you being able to easily exit the property.

        Failing that, look at a Private nuisance claim.
        (talk to a Solicitor).

        • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 14:58
          +5

          Smart! I'll write to my councillors. Thank you!

        • Euphemistic on 28/05/2017 - 08:36
          +15

          @1mmy1mmy: don't write to your councillors, it creates extra work for the council staff. Just ring your local council and ask them to send the parking rangers out.

          Having worked for a council any request that comes from a Councillor is a VIP and must be responded to the councillor in 2 days, but it doesn't make things happen any quicker, once in the system any 'normal' request gets out in the system like any other. By all means go to a councillor if you don't get any joy from the council, but give them a go first.

        • 1mmy1mmy on 28/05/2017 - 09:00
          +2

          @Euphemistic: Hey thanks for that info. I have called the council, and emailed them, and they said they are happy for people to park on the footpath… Even though someone on the street has, and I'm not joking here, taken a power tool and cut down the no standing sign that was previously outside the house.

        • holdenmg on 28/05/2017 - 10:15
          +4

          @1mmy1mmy: What is the post code for Fort Apache/The Bronx…

        • 1mmy1mmy on 28/05/2017 - 13:01
          +7

          @holdenmg: we're in the inner west of Melbourne - these home owners are the nouveau riche and probably wish scummy renters would move on so the neighbourhood can gentrify even quicker.

        • sierra-juliet on 28/05/2017 - 14:11
          +1

          @1mmy1mmy: this just screeeeeeams Kensington or Yarraville. Am I close?

        • BanannaMan on 29/05/2017 - 09:26
          +1

          @1mmy1mmy:

          Don't suppose this is Maidstone? Really annoys me when this happens, I've had lots of success contacting the Maribyrnong council.

          I literally contact them every week for parking issues & people get fined the same day

        • 1mmy1mmy on 29/05/2017 - 15:02

          @sierra-juliet: Seddon! Do not recommend…

        • 1mmy1mmy on 29/05/2017 - 15:03

          @Peannut: nah the council has 100% backed the parking on footpaths and will not send parking officer, even if the car doesn't belong to a resident of the street.

        • BanannaMan on 29/05/2017 - 19:15

          @1mmy1mmy:

          weird they actually fine people on my street (i have pictures to prove too)

          This is taking it a little too far but my neighbour lets the tyres down of cars that do this

        • 1mmy1mmy on 29/05/2017 - 22:33

          @Peannut: I don't doubt you! They just said that this small dead end street needs footpath parking/they think it's reasonable and they won't fine people who live here (or anyone else I'm guessing as no-one has permits displayed).

        • [Deactivated] on 30/05/2017 - 12:50

          @1mmy1mmy:
          My previous address was the same. Very steep driveways so idiots just block the footpath. It's a no through road so council won't care.

          A Paralympian lives on the same street. He is too nice to complain but I've seen him stuck in mud on his hand cycle thing because he had to go around those cars.

          Makes my blood boil.

        • 1mmy1mmy on 30/05/2017 - 16:27

          @tshow: that is a crazy story! What is wrong with people?!?!

        • xoom on 30/05/2017 - 19:25

          @1mmy1mmy: because all people care about is themselves. So long as its not them getting inconvenienced they dont care.

  • PJC on 27/05/2017 - 14:27
    +22

    Tell her to complain to the Council. She doesn't pay rates for your dwelling.

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 14:57
      +3

      It's a really good point.

  • djkelly69 on 27/05/2017 - 14:38
    +20

    Just park your car in the spot and leave your garage/driveway free!

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 14:54
      +2

      I like your thinking but it's not so much that she's on "my footpath" and more that the car blocks the light getting to the only window, plus the exhaust ect.

        • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 15:41
          +4

          Good to see an opposing view. If the car is parked on the road, not against the window, it makes a big difference re light. It's also our only source of air flow into the living areas because the other windows in that part of the house don't open (pretty shonky renos by the landlord). But yeah, maybe over reacting. Can't help but wonder why she doesn't just park in the legal spots around the corner and definetly can't work out why she yelled at me today though.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 27/05/2017 - 22:46
          +18

          TBH if the light and exhaust fumes are your only reasons, they are fairly weak.

          That's entirely subjective.

          The mere facts that the offender's parking is illegal and it aggravates someone, mean that it shouldn't continue.

        • smartazz104 on 28/05/2017 - 18:14
          +9

          Let me park next to your window, see how long before you change your mind about exhaust fumes being a weak reason for OP's complaint.

        • djkelly69 on 28/05/2017 - 19:54
          -6

          @gokhanh:
          Go for it. People in Victoria don't exactly have their windows open often at this time of year.

          Also this is not the 1950s, it is fairly unlikely the car in question is a big V8 which has to warm up for 10 minutes every time before being driven.

          For the record we park our own cars next to our front window, and have never once smelt exhaust fumes inside (windows open or closed).

        • Scrooge McDuck on 28/05/2017 - 21:03
          +14

          @djkelly69:

          Go for it.

          What's your address?

        • Zachary on 31/05/2017 - 04:42

          @Scrooge McDuck: 69 djkelly

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/05/2017 - 22:47
        +13

        the car blocks the light getting to the only window, plus the exhaust ect.

        Plus it obstructs the safe usage of the footpath by pedestrians.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 27/05/2017 - 22:51
          +4

          For this reason coupled with the fact that it is illegal, parking on the footpath is never OK except for the rare cases where it is explicitly permitted by signage or road markings.

          I've only ever seen such road markings on the narrow streets of Balmain East.

    • mungas on 28/05/2017 - 12:33
      +17

      Moe: The "garage"? Hey fellas, the "garage"! Well, ooh la di da, mr. french man
      Homer: Well what do you call it?
      Moe: A car hole!

      • Kangal on 28/05/2017 - 19:14

        You're right Moe! burp You're always Moe :*}

      • che_97 on 29/05/2017 - 00:59
        +2

        I always thought he said "car hold"

        • holdenmg on 29/05/2017 - 05:10

          I read it as "Car Hotel" lol

    • BanannaMan on 29/05/2017 - 09:28

      When I lived in Newport, I did this for 2 weeks.. Worked a charm

      • 1mmy1mmy on 29/05/2017 - 15:04

        Did what?

        • BanannaMan on 29/05/2017 - 19:13
          +1

          "Just park your car in the spot and leave your garage/driveway free!"

  • KitchenSink on 27/05/2017 - 14:40
    +5

    Stand your ground. Take some photos/videos of it happening for evidence. I would continue to put the bins there. Since you're renting can't you take it up with the owners and let them know?

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 14:55
      +2

      I will keep taking photos and keep moving the bins back until I can resolve it. Contacting the owners is a good idea. They seem to have a very hands-free approach but it can't hurt.

      • YellowDieselGolf on 28/05/2017 - 20:47
        +13

        Apply a layer of Vaseline to the handles of the bin.

        • Zenyatta on 31/05/2017 - 09:18

          Nah. Peanut butter. Go hard!

    • gimli on 28/05/2017 - 13:29
      +19

      He can't stand on the ground because a car is parked there.

  • chumlee on 27/05/2017 - 14:46
    +8

    If council doesn't want to enforce it with a fine speak to the ombudsman about forcing council to

  • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2017 - 15:36
    +57

    ring the police they will come around and put a nice fine on the car. Tell them you seen a wheelchair having trouble getting around.

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 15:44
      +24

      The first thing that came to my mind was - that person is an evil genius… And I mean that as a compliment!!

    • Euphemistic on 28/05/2017 - 08:37
      +1

      Not police, just council first. Police have got real crimes to attend to and council parking Rangers have all the power that you need to get a fine issued.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 28/05/2017 - 10:51
        +19

        Police have got real crimes to attend to

        Like people driving at 10 km/h over in a school zone at 2:31 PM!! 🙄

        • muncan on 28/05/2017 - 17:13
          +10

          If I had kids, I'd be pretty upset about Scrooge McDuck driving over them at 10 km/h in a school zone at 2:31pm!

        • smartazz104 on 28/05/2017 - 18:15

          Well what time does a school zone start?

        • RohBoat on 28/05/2017 - 18:46

          @gokhanh:
          QLD is 2-4PM. Mainly because some schools finish earlier than others so instead of having different times they just made it the same everywhere*.

          • some regional councils have been granted different times though.
        • Scrooge McDuck on 28/05/2017 - 21:18
          +3

          @gokhanh:

          Well what time does a school zone start?

          In NSW 2:30 PM – 4 PM is typical1.

          I was pulled over and fined for allegedly driving at 10 km/h over in a school zone at 2:39 PM. I would usually talk my way out of an infringement but I sat tight this time as I was driving a cop magnetdefective sports car. I asked to review the dash cam footage at the cop shop and found that the time of the alleged offence was actually 2:34 PM. I disputed the infringement in court, tendered that evidence and it was dismissed under section 10A.

          1. http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/schools/flashinglights/index.html ↩

        • Scrooge McDuck on 28/05/2017 - 21:21
          +6

          @muncan:

          If I had kids, I'd be pretty upset about Scrooge McDuck driving over them at 10 km/h in a school zone at 2:31pm!

          If I had kids, I'd teach them the importance of crossing roads safely as well as many other life skills.

        • Drifta on 29/05/2017 - 10:50

          @Scrooge McDuck: Why was it dismissed? While it's a shitty fine, seems like it would still be considered legal given it was after 2.30pm. Did you argue no flashing lights present?

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2017 - 11:31
          +2

          @Drifta:

          Did you argue no flashing lights present?

          No.

          Why was it dismissed?

          The magistrate has discretion to deal with offences under section 10 when they are at the lower end of the seriousness scale and there are extenuating circumstances.

          I can't remember the specifics of my spiel but I think I undermined the integrity of the infringement by highlighting the time discrepancy and the triviality of being 4 min into the school zone period.

        • cameldownunder on 29/05/2017 - 12:06
          +1

          @Scrooge McDuck: " I disputed the infringement in court, tendered that evidence and it was dismissed under section 10A."
          Under section "take things in your own hand, if the system fails", I would wait with Thor's Hammer behind a car, and practice my boomerang, return-to-me throws when you pass. Then I would profusely apologize for the inconvenience of a smashed screen, while I am stepping on the valves of your tires.

        • [Deactivated] on 29/05/2017 - 15:28
          -4

          @Scrooge McDuck: Like kids don't make mistakes? Better for adults to not be a$$holes. Lucky you don't have kids I'd say.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 29/05/2017 - 15:45
          +1

          @addison8019:

          Better for adults to not be a$$holes.

          Being a diligent parent makes someone an "a$$hole"?

          Lucky you don't have kids I'd say.

          Why is that?

        • [Deactivated] on 30/05/2017 - 13:56
          -2

          @Scrooge McDuck: Three downvotes lol. Amazing. Better for adults not to be $$sholes as in don't drive like an a$$hole where kids are likely to be and could make a mistake by walking out on the road without checking some a$$hole isn't speeding down the road too fast to stop in time. Clear? Go ahed and downvote me now. It's lucky you don't have kids because you seem to think telling them not do something means they'll never do it and you don't need to actually be a responsible adult and actively parent them. Their brains are still developing, they have no impulse control, they need someone looking out for them not just a lecture on road safety and off you go

        • Scrooge McDuck on 30/05/2017 - 14:33
          -1

          @addison8019:

          Better for adults not to be $$sholes[sic] as in don't drive like an a$$hole where kids are likely to be

          No one thus far has suggested anything like that.

          Clear?

          It's clear that you've jumped to a conclusion, an aggressively hostile one at that.

          It's lucky you don't have kids because you seem to think telling them not do[sic] something means they'll never do it

          If you read my actual comment you'll see that I used the verb "teach". Teaching involves a lot more than simply telling someone not to do something.

          and you don't need to actually be a responsible adult and actively parent them.

          On the contrary that's exactly what I was advocating, teaching your children life skills is a core component of parental responsibility!

          Read my comment again:

          If I had kids, I'd teach them the importance of crossing roads safely as well as many other life skills.

      • fruit on 28/05/2017 - 20:39

        He already talked with council

    • picklewizard on 29/05/2017 - 11:17

      No they won't; this is a council matter. Police don't issue parking fines.

      • Euphemistic on 29/05/2017 - 11:37
        +1

        but if you get into a rumble with the neighbour over it the police can help out - just hope the other person starts it.

  • crentist on 27/05/2017 - 15:48
    +13

    I'm gonna take this opportunity to link a youtube channel that deals with bad parkers/drivers. These guys in Russia go around telling drivers to move their illegally parked cars or stop driving on the footpath (seems to be a lot of this) and put big stickers on their windshields if they refuse. Often gets pretty heated as people road rage all over these guys for telling them not to park/drive illegally. pretty entertaining and ballsy

    heres a fairly calm one dealing with bad parking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3Z5mHJSLYM
    and a one thats a bit more heated https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Wl2oHUzZc

  • yolohobo on 27/05/2017 - 15:50
    +4

    If possible I'd construct a small barrier - just some posts connected with a chain, or something similar - that physically prevents cars from parking there.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/05/2017 - 15:54
    +2

    No

  • Mrbean007 on 27/05/2017 - 16:47
    +1

    Slash a few tyres :)

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 18:10
      +2

      Omg imagine how much she'd yell. I don't think I'm that passionate (about anything… Ever)!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/05/2017 - 22:53
        +9

        Omg imagine how much she'd yell.

        Not as much as if you slashed her tyres and then peed in her air vents…

    • animal on 29/05/2017 - 15:23
      +1

      Some people only slash the spare tyre… a delayed revenge

  • Kail on 27/05/2017 - 17:21
    +24

    Buy some cheap potted plants of a reasonable size and start putting up a little garden outside your window to prevent them from parking there. Maybe add some rocks if you can find them to make a little rock garden. When you move out you can take them with you or have a little garage sale and sell them, or just leave them there for the next tenants.

    If you find lots of cheap gardeny things, put them outside in other areas so it's less obvious you are blocking off that particular area. If they try to move them or damage them, go and yell at them for touching/damaging your private property and tell them if they do it again you will drive your car all over their garden so they can see what it feels like.

    • 1mmy1mmy on 27/05/2017 - 18:10
      +4

      That is brilliant. And I have all the stuff I'd need. Thank you!

      • Scrooge McDuck on 27/05/2017 - 22:57
        +17

        Alternatively, you could glue some decorative nails to the ground…

        • 1mmy1mmy on 28/05/2017 - 07:48
          +2

          This transcended into straight up neighbour warfare!

        • tomleonhart on 29/05/2017 - 08:00
          +3

          @1mmy1mmy: you don't live in that house forever so who cares. Spice it up.

      • Kail on 27/05/2017 - 23:31
        +2

        You're welcome, I hope it works for you! I can imagine it's very frustrating having noise, exhaust fumes and lowered light. Your neighbours sound so inconsiderate.

  • dorz on 27/05/2017 - 18:53
    +9

    OP, here is some handy information for you…

    Can I park here?
    You are not allowed to park, stop or leave your vehicle:
    on a footpath, nature strip or reservation (unless the vehicle is a motorcycle or bicycle)

    https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-r…

    • 1mmy1mmy on 28/05/2017 - 07:46

      Maybe I should talk to VicRoads instead. I'm surprised the council said they don't care. Thanks for the link!

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