Text size
Published
Text size
17 December 2024 By: Dan Wilkie
It’s a common sight across Perth’s suburbs: an unfamiliar car parked across a verge, leaving the homeowner wondering about their rights and responsibilities.
That strip of land between the road and property boundary might seem straightforward enough, but it’s actually one of the most misunderstood aspects of suburban property management.
From boat trailers to brief drop-offs, verge and street parking generates countless enquiries to local councils each year.
While these spaces play a vital role in our suburban landscape, understanding who can park where – and for how long – isn’t always straightforward.
Parking rules can vary significantly between local councils, though many share similar principles.
RELATED:
Your verge, your rights
The space between the edge of the road and a property’s boundary – known as a verge – plays a crucial role in managing parking in our suburbs.
While verges are Crown land owned by the Government and managed by local councils, their day-to-day use is closely tied to adjacent properties.
This creates a complex situation where property owners maintain their adjacent verges but don’t have absolute control over how these spaces are utilised.
Many residents are surprised to learn that the verge they’ve been maintaining – perhaps for decades – isn’t technically their property, even though they’re responsible for its upkeep.
The responsibilities of verge maintenance extend beyond simple lawn mowing.
Property owners are expected to keep their verges safe and accessible, including managing any trees, maintaining clear sightlines for traffic, and ensuring the space doesn’t become a hazard.
This maintenance obligation exists regardless of whether the property owner uses the verge for parking or not.
Navigating permission: a common rule
According to the City of South Perth, a common rule across Perth suburbs is that anyone wishing to park on a verge must obtain permission from the owner or occupier of the adjacent property.
This rule applies even if only part of the vehicle, such as one or two wheels, encroaches onto the verge area.
The requirement for permission extends to all situations, whether it’s a brief stop to pick up children from a playdate or a tradesperson working on a neighbouring property.
The situation becomes more nuanced for properties with multiple dwellings. For strata or green-titled blocks with houses at both front and rear, permission should be sought from the occupier of the front house, as they are considered directly adjacent to the verge.
This arrangement recognises the front property’s immediate relationship with the verge area, though it can sometimes lead to challenges in managing parking needs for all residents.
Time limits add another layer to parking considerations. While there’s typically no specific time limit for parking on a verge with permission, street parking follows stricter guidelines, with time limits and parking fees common in densely populated or near-CBD suburbs.
Most councils will consider taking action on vehicles left unmoved on the street for 24 hours or more, particularly if the nearest resident raises concerns.
This regulation helps prevent the long-term storage of vehicles on public streets and ensures fair access to street parking for all residents.
Managing your verge
Local councils offer verge registration, providing benefits and responsibilities. Registration typically prohibits all vehicles – including those belonging to the household – from parking on the registered verge.
This allows residents to request ranger inspections for unauthorised parking, though it usually requires an annual fee and the display of official ‘Registered Verge, No Parking’ signage.
The registration process itself varies between councils, but in the Town of Mosman Park, residents can register their verge by submitting an application form, providing proof of occupancy, and paying a fee.
Once approved, residents can use a password or PIN with ranger services to report violations.
The cost of verge registration also varies significantly between councils, with annual fees ranging from nominal amounts to more substantial sums.
While some residents might question the expense, many find that the benefits of regulated verge access outweigh the costs, particularly in areas with high parking demand or near commercial centres, schools, or public transport hubs.
Registering your verge not only helps prevent unauthorised parking, but also provides a clear framework for managing access, reducing potential disputes with neighbours and ensuring your property boundaries are respected.
Safety considerations become paramount when discussing parking near intersections.
Vehicles must generally maintain a distance of 10 metres from intersections without traffic lights, and 20 metres from those with traffic lights.
These restrictions help maintain clear sightlines and safe traffic flow through suburban streets.
The rules are particularly important during peak hours when visibility can make the difference between a safe journey and a dangerous situation.
Modern challenges and changing needs
As suburbs evolve, new parking challenges emerge.
The rise of ride-sharing services, home deliveries, and mobile businesses has increased the demand for temporary parking spaces.
Many councils are adapting their approaches to accommodate these changing needs while maintaining order and safety in residential areas.
The growth in electric vehicle ownership presents another challenge.
Some residents have begun exploring options for charging points near verge parking areas, though this requires careful consideration of power supply, safety requirements, and council regulations.
As these trends continue to develop, local authorities are working to balance innovation with existing parking management frameworks.
Common situations and solutions
Brief stops in private driveways for drop-offs and pick-ups are a common occurrence in suburban areas.
While these quick stops are generally tolerated, it is always advisable to seek permission from the property owner.
This courtesy can help avoid potential conflicts and ensures clear communication between neighbours.
Many residents find that establishing good relationships with their neighbours can lead to informal arrangements that benefit everyone while respecting property boundaries.
Property owners might be tempted to place obstacles on their verge to prevent unwanted parking, but this practice is generally not permitted without council approval.
Such obstacles - whether they’re rocks, posts, or other barriers – can create safety hazards for pedestrians and other verge users, leading to potential liability issues.
Instead, councils encourage residents to pursue official channels such as verge registration or to address parking concerns through ranger services.
Special considerations
Regulations become more stringent when dealing with larger vehicles and extended parking situations.
While standard vehicles can typically be parked on your own verge, different rules apply to boat trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and untethered trailers.
These vehicles cannot be stored permanently on verges, even with permission.
The restrictions stem from both safety concerns and the impact these larger vehicles can have on neighbourhood aesthetics and accessibility.
The rules for boat and caravan storage highlight a common challenge in Perth’s suburban areas, where many households own recreational vehicles but face limited storage options.
Some councils have responded by developing specific guidelines for the temporary parking of these vehicles, though the regulations typically require regular movement and may restrict the duration of street parking.
Street parking of trailers and special vehicles varies between councils, with most having specific regulations about maximum parking duration, vehicle size restrictions, and requirements for regular movement.
For example, the Town of East Fremantle requires untethered trailers to remain connected to a registered vehicle and be moved regularly to prevent long-term storage on public streets.
This approach aims to balance the needs of recreational vehicle owners with the broader community's interest in maintaining accessible and attractive streetscapes.
Community impact and future considerations
The management of verge and street parking has significant implications for community wellbeing and neighbourhood character.
Well-regulated parking contributes to safer streets and better traffic flow.
On the flipside, poorly managed parking can lead to conflicts, safety hazards, and reduced quality of life for residents.
Local councils are increasingly taking a holistic approach to verge management, considering not just parking needs but also environmental factors such as water conservation, biodiversity, and urban heating.
Some areas are exploring innovative solutions like shared parking arrangements, permeable paving options, and integration with urban greening initiatives.
Taking action
When unauthorised parking occurs on a registered verge, residents have several options for addressing the situation.
The first step is usually to contact council ranger services to request inspection and enforcement.
Rangers may mark vehicles for monitoring, and in cases of abandoned vehicles, can initiate the impoundment process.
The response time and specific procedures vary between councils, but most aim to address parking violations promptly to prevent ongoing issues.
The enforcement process typically begins with warning notices or infringement tickets, giving vehicle owners the opportunity to move their vehicles before more serious action is taken.
For abandoned vehicles or repeat offenders, councils may escalate to impoundment, though this is generally used as a last resort.
Looking to the future
As Perth’s suburbs continue to grow and evolve, parking management strategies must adapt to changing community needs.
The increasing density of suburban development, rising car ownership rates, and emerging transportation technologies all present new challenges for verge and street parking management.
Forward-thinking councils are exploring innovative solutions, from digital parking management systems to integrated transport planning that reduces reliance on private vehicle storage. However, the fundamental principles of safety, fairness, and community consideration remain at the heart of effective parking management.
While these guidelines provide a general framework for verge and street parking in Perth and WA suburbs, specific rules and enforcement procedures may vary between local councils.
The key to successful suburban parking lies in understanding your local regulations, maintaining open communication with neighbours, and respecting shared community spaces.
In cases of uncertainty, the best approach is always to contact your local council directly for clarification of the rules that apply in your area.
