UPDATE: A driver in Queensland is outraged after receiving a $111 fine for parking on a friend’s lawn, calling the penalty “dumb.” The incident occurred when Maitland Hanley, 30, parked his Hyundai iMax van outside a friend’s home in Logan Reserve, Queensland, to assist with a house move.
Hanley parked on the grass for less than an hour, believing it was the best option to avoid blocking the narrow street. “Instead of parking half on the road, half on the curb, I thought I’d go up on his grass,” he stated. However, he was shocked to find the fine waiting in his mailbox weeks later.
The fine cited a breach of council rules regarding parking on a nature strip. “I didn’t know I had committed an offence until I received the fine,” Hanley told Yahoo News Australia. The area where he parked was a large patch of grass, making it difficult to distinguish where his friend’s lawn ended and the nature strip began.
“I reckon it’s a dumb rule because if you think about it, it’s not his lawn, but when it comes to maintaining it, apparently it is his lawn. It seems like a double standard,” Hanley expressed.
The City of Logan confirmed that Hanley’s fine was the 13th of its kind issued this year for similar infractions. A spokesperson explained that parking on nature strips is prohibited under Queensland road rules, emphasizing that these areas must remain clear for pedestrian access.
Authorities further clarified, “The vehicle was parked on a nature strip outside of the property boundary (public land) between two driveways in breach of Queensland parking rules.” Residents are advised to park legally within property boundaries on narrow residential streets.
Hanley attempted to appeal the fine but was informed that the boundary between the lawn and nature strip is determined by the positioning of the mailbox. Anything beyond that is considered public land where parking is not allowed.
As this story unfolds, many are discussing the implications of such strict parking regulations in residential areas. Should councils adopt a more lenient approach, especially for short-term parking? Or do these rules serve essential safety functions?
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, and share your thoughts on parking regulations in your area. Have you experienced a similar situation? Contact us with your story at [email protected].
