Drivers risk copping a $333 fine if they break this rule during crackdown

Published: 05:16, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 05:16, 21 April 2026 Aussie drivers who leave their boats, trailers, and caravans parked on public roads could soon face a $333 fine during a council crackdown.  Queensland's Douglas Shire Council has warned residents who leave their vehicles parked on nature strips and roadsides will face the harsh penalty.   In the Douglas Shire, it is illegal to park boats, trailers, or caravans on local government-controlled roads or areas if they are not attached to a vehicle.  Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the council was currently in an education and awareness phase with warnings to begin this week.  'Enforcement will only occur after people have had a reasonable opportunity to relocate their boats, trailers or caravans,' she told Yahoo News. Ms Scomazzon the crackdown had been sparked by complaints from residents, who were struggling to find parking on their streets.  'There are also safety issues, including reduced sightlines and risks for pedestrians and drivers,' the mayor said.  'In some streets, garbage trucks are struggling to safely access bins.'  Aussies who leave their boats, trailers, and caravans parked on public roads will soon risk copping a $333 fine during a council crackdown  In the Douglas Shire, it is illegal to park boats, trailers, or caravans on local government-controlled roads or areas if they are not attached to a vehicle (stock) Ms Scomazzon acknowledged that not everyone would have a legal place to store their vehicles, but said they would need to find their own arrangement.  She urged owners to store their boat, caravans or trailer on their own property, in private storage facilities, sheds or other arrangements on private land.   And it appears the Sutherland Shire, in Sydney's south, is in the same boat.   The Sutherland Shire is considering banning caravans and trailers from parking on suburban streets long-term after receiving 3,000 complaints last year.  It is considering introducing signs like 'Parking - Motor Vehicles Excepted' in areas including Tonkin Street, Gannons Road near Woolooware Golf Course, Woolooware Road and Kingsway sports fields, and Lilli Pilli sports ground.  The Daily Mail has contacted Douglas Shire Council for comment.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.