Long-term parking of vehicles on council roads

Dear Minister Bourke MLC

Request For Legislative Reform – Long-Term Parking of Vehicles on Council Roads

I write on behalf of the City of Holdfast Bay to request your consideration for legislative reform that would empower local councils to better regulate and enforce restrictions on the long-term parking of trailers, caravans, and boats—on Council-managed roads. Our position is in reference to vehicles under 3000kg (boats and caravans/motorhomes).

Over recent years, Council has received a growing number of complaints from residents concerned about large, often immobile vehicles being stored for extended periods on suburban streets. These vehicles, although often legally registered, can obstruct sight lines, reduce driveway access, impede waste collection and emergency vehicle access, and significantly reduce neighbourhood amenity.

Under the current Australian Road Rules (ARR), there is limited recourse available to councils unless a specific breach occurs. For instance, ARR Regulation 200(1) restricts heavy or long vehicles – defined as over 7.5 metres in length or 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass – from parking in built-up areas for more than one hour, unless signs indicate otherwise.

However, many of the vehicles causing concern in residential areas (e.g. small trailers, caravans, or boats) fall below this threshold and are therefore not covered by this rule. This regulatory gap leaves councils unable to respond effectively, even when multiple vehicles are stored for extended periods on public roads.

We respectfully request that your department give consideration to legislation in South Australia to allow for greater control of the parking of vehicles such as trailers, caravans trailers and other large vehicles not currently defined under existing legislation.

The City of Holdfast Bay is committed to ensuring a safe, accessible, and well-functioning road network for all users. We would welcome the opportunity to support a consultation process or pilot any reform initiatives in collaboration with your department.

Thank you for your consideration, we look forward to your advice on any next steps or opportunities to contribute to legislative development in this space.

Yours sincerely

Pamela Jackson
Chief Executive Officer