Residential Parking
Council is regularly called upon to help residents when parked or stopped vehicles are restricting local access and traffic flow.
Council is the only authority permitted to erect signs or paint marked bays to control street parking; this is mainly carried out in commercial areas.
In the few instances where parking signs exist in residential streets, Council Officers are able to enforce restrictions. However, Council does not actively enforce parking in residential areas.
The police are also able to enforce parking and will act on complaints received, but they will usually only take action where the situation is considered potentially dangerous.
Motorists can park on both sides of the road but must leave at least three metres of clear roadway between their vehicle and other parked vehicles, dividing strips, traffic islands or unbroken dividing lines (see diagram).
Where no signs are erected in a two-way street, vehicles must park parallel to the left side of the street. Parking is illegal on nature strips, footpaths and across kerb ramps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can Council do to stop vehicles from parking too close to my driveway?
According to the Queensland Road Rules, motorists must not park across a driveway. However, how close a motorist can park to a driveway is not stipulated.
If you are able to enter and exit your property using your driveway, even if difficult, the parked car is likely to be parked legally and no enforcement action can be taken.
Does Council install ‘no stopping’ signs next to residential driveways?
Council does not install ‘No Stopping’ signs either side of residential driveways because of high installation and on-going costs. In heavy use areas, such as outside schools and shopping centres, Council will consider painting parking bays or erecting parking signs to indicate where parking is permitted.
When does Council paint parking bays in residential streets?
Generally, Council does not paint parking bays in residential streets, unless they are near a major facility such as a school, church, commercial area or a community facility.
In cases where parking bays are painted, Council seeks to allow a three metre clearance on the approach side and two metres on the departure side to better enable a motorist to enter and exit their property.
Can I have resident-only parking in my street?
No. Council is only able to restrict parking to a particular vehicle (such as an emergency vehicle), types of vehicles (such as motorcycles, buses or disabled parking) or by time limits.
A car is always parked next to my house, it never moves, what can be done?
As long as the car is registered and is not parked in a time-limited zone, it can be parked on the street. However, if you believe the vehicle has been abandoned, Council can initiate a process to have the vehicle removed.
Fact Sheet
- Residential Parking: On-Street Parking and Stopping (PDF, 361.6 KB)
