A motorist has been hit with a hefty fine for parking in his own driveway and blocking the pavement.
The man was fined $132 for parking his large Nissan Patrol Warrior behind another vehicle in his driveway in Conder, Canberra, on June 14.
Photos of the parking event were shared on Facebook and showed the back half of the large vehicle blocking the road.
The driver did not realize that this part of his driveway is considered public property and does not belong to him, making his park illegal.
He criticized the ACT government after receiving a fine for “stopping on a road/strip in a built-up area”.
“Is the ACT Government really so cash-starved that it’s trying to fine people $132 for parking in their own driveway to ‘block the road’?” he wrote.
His post divided residents, with one even arguing that the fine should be increased.
‘I’m quite entitled to assume that other users don’t require the route. The fine should be doubled,’ they wrote.
The Canberra resident was shocked to receive a fine for parking in his driveway (pictured) but it is illegal to obstruct a footpath across Australia.
Some argued that pedestrians could still walk around the car (pictured), but many said it was difficult for people with baby strollers and people in wheelchairs.
‘Some ACT people just complain and complain. Don’t park illegally, disturbing other people, and you won’t get a ticket. Simple.’
‘It’s time. What about walkers, especially those with baby strollers or even those people who use a wheelchair?” wrote another.
‘Have a little consideration. Roads are for pedestrians, not cars.’
Some agreed with the driver, believing pedestrians could still surround the man’s car.
“I understand the reason for the ticket, but your car seems to be far enough away that someone could barely get over the edge and into your driveway,” one said.
‘Clock it sure but don’t block it.’
Obstructing a footpath or parking on the road with part of a vehicle blocking the driveway is illegal throughout Australia.
The front portion of a driveway is considered municipal land.
In Queensland, people violating this rule can be fined up to $200, while in Victoria drivers will be fined $109.
In Western Australia and Tasmania fines are less than $100. New South Wales has the highest fine, which can be up to $302.
A Transport NSW spokesperson said yahoo Drivers may only stop or park in a driveway if they are picking up or dropping off people.
“(Drivers should not) leave the vehicle unattended (or) complete the delivery or pickup and resume driving within two minutes of stopping,” they said.
