A Growing Problem in Aussie Suburbs
Imagine walking down your local street, only to find a car blocking the footpath. You’re forced to step off the path and onto the road, putting yourself at risk.
This frustrating scenario is becoming an all-too-common occurrence in Aussie suburbs, with neighbors turning on each other over illegal parking.
Tapping, Perth: A Hotspot for Illegal Parking
Kevin West, a local resident of Tapping, Perth, is fed up with the constant stream of cars parking illegally in his neighborhood. He’s taken matters into his own hands, using the Snap Send Solve app to report offenders at least once a week. The app allows residents to submit photos of wrongdoing, which are then sent to the local council.
“I just want people to do the right thing,” West told 9News. “A footpath is a footpath, it’s there for a purpose. You’ve either got to try and squeeze past on the lefthand side of the vehicle or alternatively you’ve physically got to walk into the traffic.”
A 61% Increase in Complaints: The Situation is Out of Hand
New data reveals a staggering 61% increase in complaints about parking in Perth so far this year. Snap Send Solve, the app used by West, has received almost 6,000 reports of illegal parking in Perth alone. That’s a huge jump from last year’s numbers, and it’s not just footpath parking that’s the issue.
Car-Centric City Sees Huge Jump in Illegal Parking Acts
Danny Gorog, CEO of Snap Send Solve, attributes the surge in illegal parking to Perth’s car-centric culture. “It’s becoming harder and harder for people to find available spots,” he told 9News. The app has seen increases in reports of abandoned cars and those parked illegally in disabled bays.
Tesla’s Questionable Parking Spot Exposes Growing Problem
Earlier this year, a photo of a Tesla parked in a questionable spot went viral, sparking outrage among locals. The incident highlighted the growing problem of illegal parking in Aussie suburbs.
Illegal Parking: A Top Issue
Danny Gorog revealed that illegal parking is one of the top issues reported to Snap Send Solve. “We’ve seen 40,061 reports from January to April this year – a significant 49% increase from the same period last year.”
A Lack of Parking Spaces and Confusing Regulations to Blame
So, what’s driving the surge in illegal parking? According to Gorog, it’s a combination of factors. “A lack of available parking spaces and the expensive costs associated with securing a spot are definitely contributors,” he said. “Moreover, confusing or inconsistent parking regulations can result in people parking illegally.”
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has also led to an increasing number of reports of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars parking illegally in EV-designated spots.
The Future of Parking in Aussie Suburbs
As the parking war wages on, one thing is clear: something needs to change. Whether it’s better parking infrastructure, clearer regulations, or a shift in driver behavior, Aussie suburbs can’t continue to tolerate the current state of illegal parking.