Northern Beaches Council is introducing a trial designed to crack down on trailers and boats parked on public roads. It is hoped the trial will help residents park closer to a number of popular local parks and reserves.

Introducing a six month trial in five problem locations across the Beaches, Mayor Michael Regan said other measures had failed and it was time to try something different.

“We are getting an increasing number of complaints from residents fed up with trailers and boats taking up most of the parking next to playgrounds, parks and fields and rarely being moved,” Mayor Regan said.

“Under State Government legislation Council could give trailer owners 28 days notice to move on. However we were finding they would wait until the 28th day and then move a few spots down the street, or even just return to the same spot, and Council would have no recourse but to start the process again with another 28 days notice. It simply was ineffective.

“Our new approach prevents boats and trailers from parking at all in some known problem areas.

“These measures will also prevent the dumping of un-roadworthy trailers which is a persistent issue.

“The trial will be reviewed after six months and expanded to other areas if successful.”

The trial has been developed in consultation with the RMS. Council will erect ‘No Parking, Motor Vehicles Excepted’ signs over the next month at:

- Kenneth Rd, Manly Vale
- Balgowlah Rd, Fairlight
- Aitken Reserve, Queenscliff
- Jacka Park, Freshwater
- Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach

Council has notified hundreds of residents in the immediate vicinity of the affected areas and the response has been overwhelming in favour of the trial.