When I moved to Melbourne from Perth more than 20 years ago, the thing that threw me most about driving here (well, besides the trams) was that I couldn’t park on the verge – sorry – nature strip.
I had no idea that this was a big ‘no-no’ in most states and territories in Australia, because in Perth, it was – and still is – pretty much the norm. As is calling it a verge.
According to the Western Australia Road Traffic Code 2000, drivers technically cannot park on nature strip, unless:
(a) the driver stops in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under these regulations; or
(b) the driver is permitted to do so under a local law
And therein lies the caveat of all caveats, because the overwhelming majority of local councils in Perth do allow drivers to park on the verge – with some provisos.
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Most local councils there require the driver to have permission from the owner or occupier of the nearest property before they can jump the curb to park up.
There are other rules too, which vary by council, including a 24-hour limit, restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be parked on a nature strip and signage prohibiting verge-parking in certain areas.
Some local councils in Perth even allow residents to apply to create a paved parking bay on their nature strip; for example, the City of Stirling, which encompasses much of the city’s inner north-western suburbs.
The council’s website states:
“In general, up to one-third of your verge area (excluding the crossover) can be treated as hardstand using materials such as concrete, brick paving or synthetic turf. Assessment factors include distances from street trees and whether kerb modifications are possible.”
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As we’ve covered before, all other states and territories (except Tasmania, which has similar rules to WA) follow section 197 of the Australian Road Rules, which states:
“A driver must not stop on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip, or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area.”
I’m not against this rule per se, but looking at many of the streets in my area – and indeed many other suburbs of Melbourne – I feel there could be some pros to allowing nature-strip parking in certain circumstances.
My street and many others constantly have cars parallel-parked on both sides of the street, bringing many sections down to one lane.
Drivers have to play the game of deciding who gives way, and I’ve witnessed many who are less than courteous – and some who are downright dangerous.
Then there’s the fact that the nature strips in many areas are certainly large enough to fit two cars parallel parked – possibly three if there was angled parking.
As a long-time advocate for walkable neighbourhoods and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, I’m not suggesting we do away with all the nature strips in favour of parking, nor do I think just being allowed to park-up on the grass is a great idea, either.
The leaf I wish local councils in Melbourne and other cities would take out of Perth’s book is allowing residents to apply to create a dedicated parking area on a nature strip where appropriate.
If you look at this little mock-up I’ve done, you can see the sort of thing I’m suggesting.
I know many of you would say “park on your own property”, but that isn’t an option for us. We only have one car, but we need to use our one-car garage as a play space and storage, and our driveway is shared with other townhouses on our block.
I know many families who live in townhouses who are in the same boat.
The fact is, real estate is expensive, and many people simply cannot afford a huge block with space for even one car – let alone two or three.
So, this street parking problem isn’t going away, and it’s time for governments to get behind a solution that works for both drivers and pedestrians.
The post Why I’m on the verge about this illegal parking act: Opinion appeared first on Drive.