A neighborhood war has broken out on Sydney’s beaches, after locals decided to take the issue of parking into their own hands.
Annoyed by boats, boat trailers and vans sitting in prime parking spots near Narabeen Lagoon on Sydney’s Northern Beaches for weeks at a time, spray-painting vigilantes have decided to do something about it.
Channel 7 news reports that a number of boats and cars parked on the Narrabeen Esplanade have been painted with large orange letters, which spell out SUGAR.
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The pictures show a road with lots of cars parked there, painted with a protest slogan.
While locals agree to the illegal action – which can lead to a $2200 fine or 12 months in jail – they say they understand the frustration over allegations that this beautiful area is being turned into a “shanty town”.
“They shouldn’t have done it,” said local resident Gary Oliver.
But it’s annoying to have all those big cars. They are always there for months.
“If the council doesn’t do anything, they [the vandals] we will do the work,’ said another resident.
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A runner passes one of the marked prides
“They just left them there.”
It’s not just the conflict that’s seen on the Northern Beaches, across Sydney many residents are upset that parking spaces are being taken up by boats, boat trailers and campervans for too long.
The Narrabeen incident sparked a police investigation, according to Channel 7, as the cars are legally parked as long as their registration is up to date.
Under NSW law boat trailers are treated as car trailers.
As long as the vehicle or trailer is registered, its total length is less than 7.5m, weighs less than 4.5 tons and does not obstruct traffic or create a safety hazard, block roads, footpaths or violate normal parking signs, they are not allowed to attend.
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Cars stay close to the popular Narrabeen Lake. Photo: NewsWire / Damian Shaw
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Cars are allowed to park there for 28 days, however in an olive branch to frustrated locals, the Northern Beaches Council is considering imposing 12 hour parking restrictions. After that the cars can be fined, and if the cases continue to be towed and arrested.
Parking nearby costs $10 per hour.
“If you can afford a boat, you should also be able to afford a place to keep it,” said local resident Hans.
Under NSW law, the basic offense of graffiti carries a fine of $440, rising to $2200 or imprisonment for 12 months or both, in serious cases.
The Northern Beaches Council has been contacted for comment.
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