By Alesha Capone
The number of infringements issued for vehicles parked on Wyndham’s nature strips has fallen significantly, since June last year.
Under Victorian law, parking fully or partially on nature strips is illegal.
Wyndham council’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said that during the 2018-19 financial year, the council issued 5287 infringements to vehicles parked on nature-strips.
However, the figure fell to 2949 during the 2019-20 financial year.
“There has been a considerable drop in infringements issued when compared to the previous year,” Mr Thorpe said.
“The main reason for this is reduced vehicle movement between March and July due to COVID-19 restrictions, and greater community awareness relating to correct parking.”
Mr Thorpe said the suburbs where most infringements for parking on nature strips were issued during the 2019-20 financial year, were Tarneit, Point Cook and Hoppers Crossing.
“A key focus over the last financial year has been to address community concerns about parking on nature strips particularly around schools,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Illegal parking on nature strips can cause damage to public infrastructure, both above and below the ground.
“Illegally parked vehicles may also prevent emergency services personnel from accessing key infrastructure such as water, sewage, gas, telecommunications and drainage pipes.
“It can also pose an increased safety risk for pedestrians as they are less visible to oncoming cars and they can also restrict safe access for wheelchair and pram users.”
