NSW Local Government Minister Don Page has reminded NSW Councils that they have the powers to act on street-clogging activities such as the mass-sale of private vehicles on suburban roads, or long-term parked cars.

“There are ample powers under both the Roads Act and the Local Government Act for Councils to deter people from cluttering suburban streets with impromptu vehicle markets, or by parking in local roads for extended periods,” Mr Page said.

The Minister’s reminder comes after comments from Sydney City Council representatives to ratepayers in Potts Point recently, in which the Council has claimed it did not have the necessary legal powers to remove vehicles which were being parked on the side of a road and marked `For Sale’.

“The fact is that Councils do have the ability to act when a ratepayer comes to them to complain about suburban streets which are clogged unnecessarily,” Mr Page said.

“Councils can introduce time-restricted parking areas, such as exist all over metropolitan Sydney and elsewhere, particularly near shopping areas or other business centres.

“They can introduce metered parking restrictions, which also exist all over metropolitan Sydney and elsewhere.

“They can set up dedicated areas for residential parking, or dedicated short-term parking areas for shoppers.

“And, if a Council officer with authority deems it necessary, they can even impound cars – a Council can tow away vehicles which are obstructing streets or traffic.

“When Councils are the authority for a road they can act in many ways to solve their ratepayers’ problems. If they don’t, then residents have every right to query why not.”