Illegal Parking on Private Property in Melbourne: Solutions for Owners Corporations

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Illegal parking continues to be one of the most common and frustrating issues faced by Owners Corporations (OCs) across Melbourne. In high-density living environments,  where parking availability is already limited,  a single vehicle parked incorrectly can spark disputes, disrupt access, and jeopardize community safety. While a single, city-wide study covering illegal parking is not readily available, ongoing research and industry insights paint a clear picture: the problem is widespread and persistent.

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Why Illegal Parking Is a Problem for Owners' Corporations

Several factors drive the parking tensions within Melbourne’s residential complexes:

• Limited Supply vs High Demand

A major survey revealed 35% of apartment households own more vehicles than their allocated parking allows, leading many residents to park outside their designated spaces.

• Underutilised Private Parking

When on-street parking rules are relaxed, some residents avoid using their private spaces and instead occupy visitor or common parking areas.

• Behavioural Causes

Miscommunication, lack of clarity on parking rules, and general disregard for regulations all contribute to ongoing parking conflicts.

• Insights from Broader Studies

International research indicates illegal parking could drop by up to 49% if private parking spaces were used correctly, highlighting how behaviour, not just space, plays a role.

Common Causes of Illegal Parking on Private Property

Illegal parking often stems from a mix of convenience, confusion, and disregard for rules. Some of the most common causes include:

• Convenience & Lack of Parking Alternatives

When on-street parking is scarce due to restrictions, paid parking, or high demand, drivers may treat private land,  such as driveways, nature strips, or apartment car parks,  as an easy “temporary” solution.

• Blocked Driveways & Shared Access Ways

Many incidents involve vehicles parking across:

• Driveway entries and exits
• Crossovers are where a driveway meets the road
• Shared access routes in apartment complexes

This directly disrupts access to homes and creates hazards if emergency vehicles cannot get through.

•  Ignorance or Misunderstanding of Rules

Some drivers are unaware of Victorian parking rules,  such as:

• Nature strip parking is being prohibited
• Driveways and private entrances are off-limits without permission
• Visitor parking is not meant for long-term storage

Confusion between public and private land boundaries can also lead to mistakes.

• Apartment & Strata Parking Conflicts 

High-density living in Melbourne means:

• More cars than allocated spaces
• Visitors parking in resident areas
• Residents misusing shared or private bays

These situations often escalate into disputes and formal complaints.

•  Congestion & Urban Density

In busy neighbourhoods, especially near shopping areas, hospitals, train stations, and sporting venues, drivers park wherever they can fit, regardless of legality.

• Perceived Low Risk

Many take the risk believing:

• They won’t be fined
• The owner won’t take action
• It’s “just for a short time.”

This creates a cycle of repeated offending.

Melbourne-Specific Impacts

Illegal parking is more than an inconvenience; it affects community well-being.

•  Neighbourhood Disputes: Blocked access can quickly escalate into serious arguments and ongoing tension between neighbours, even affecting property values and the desirability of the area.
• High Complaint Rates to Councils: Across Melbourne municipalities, illegal parking consistently ranks among the top resident complaints, showing how common and disruptive the issue is.
• Council Enforcement & Towing: City of Melbourne officers regularly respond to reports and may:

• Issue fines
• Tow vehicles are blocking access
• Act on abandoned or unregistered vehicles

But councils have limited authority on private land, making preventative solutions essential for property owners.

Explore Parking Solutions

Strata By-Laws and Parking Rules Explained

Parking in Melbourne strata properties is controlled by Owners Corporation by-laws and Victorian road safety laws. Owners Corporations can manage rules, but they cannot automatically issue fines or tow cars without support from the council or police.

Resident Responsibilities

• Residents must park only in their allocated parking bays.
• Visitor parking is strictly for guests, not overflow parking for residents.
• Parking on common property (driveways, shared access areas, turning spaces) requires prior approval.
• Any vehicle blocking access or creating a hazard is a serious breach of by-laws and road rules.
• Clear signage helps ensure everyone understands the rules.

Enforcement

• Owners Corporations can issue formal breach notices for rule violations.
• Persistent breaches may be escalated to VCAT, which can enforce penalties.
• With approval, residents may install collapsible parking bollards to prevent others from using their titled parking s pace.

Simple Solutions to Prevent Illegal Parking in Melbourne

1️. Establish and Enforce Clear Parking By-Laws

Strong parking bylaws are the foundation of effective control.

What OCs should do:

• Create written rules that clearly state where residents and visitors are allowed to park.
• Include details such as:

• Prohibition of parking in visitor spaces for long-term
• Rules against blocking common property and access points
• Limits on vehicle size and registration requirements
• Provide all residents, tenants, and new arrivals with updated bylaws.
• Display rules in communal areas, car parks, and entry points.

Why this matters:

When guidelines are visible and well-communicated, excuses for non-compliance diminish.

2.  Improve Visibility with Proper Signage & Line Marking

Directional clarity reduces misunderstandings.

• Recommended actions:
• Clearly mark each designated space with numbers or identifiers.
• Install official tow-away and no-parking signage where necessary.
• Use reflective or durable paint to mark boundaries and shared zones.
• Ensure qualified professionals install signage to meet legal requirements.

Result:

Residents and visitors can easily recognise correct parking zones, minimising confusion.

3️. Encourage Communication First

Not every incident is deliberate; some stem from misunderstandings.

Steps to take:

• Approach the resident politely to discuss the issue.
• Check whether:

• They are unaware of the rule
• They are using a temporary vehicle
• There is a genuine accessibility need

Benefit:

A respectful conversation often resolves issues quickly and helps maintain community relationships.

4️. Escalate with Written Warnings & Penalties

If behaviour continues, formal processes must be followed.

OC compliance measures may include:

• Official breach notices documenting:

• Date and time
• Photographic evidence (where applicable)
• Relevant by-law clause breached

• Warning of future penalties such as fines, towing, or tribunal action

Proper documentation ensures enforcement actions remain lawful and defensible.

5️. Involve Council or Police Where Applicable

External authorities can act when public areas or safety are impacted.

Situations requiring intervention:

• Blocking public roads or driveways
• Obstructing emergency or service access
• Parking on nature strips or footpaths
• Unregistered or abandoned vehicles

Local councils and Victoria Police have the authority to issue fines or remove offending vehicles.

6️. Enter a Private Parking Agreement (PPA)

A powerful enforcement tool available to many Melbourne OCs.

How it works:

• The Owners Corporation partners with the local council (example: City of Melbourne).
• Council officers can legally issue infringement notices on private property.
• Requires:

• A traffic engineering assessment
• Detailed parking management plan
• Approved signage and compliance setup

Why consider it:

It formalises enforcement and acts as a strong deterrent for regular offenders.

7️. Use Technology for Access & Monitoring

Modern solutions provide accountability and streamline enforcement.

Recommended options include:

• RFID tags for resident-only parking access
• Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras for automated tracking
• Parking management apps with digital permits
• Remote monitoring systems to report breaches in real-time

Advantage:

Reduces manual oversight and prevents misuse before issues escalate.

8️. Legal & Tribunal Action (VCAT)

When all attempts fail, legal avenues may be necessary.

Steps for dispute resolution:

• Seek support from a strata management or legal professional
• Submit the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
• Request orders to enforce bylaws and compel compliance

Outcome:

VCAT can impose penalties, require behavioural changes, and protect the OC’s authority.

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How Parking Bollards Help Stop Unauthorized Parking

Car Parking solutions in Melbourne provide a robust physical deterrent that keeps unauthorized vehicles out, unlike signs that can be ignored.

How Bollards Help Prevent Illegal Parking

1. Physical Barrier: A securely installed bollard makes parking impossible for unauthorized vehicles.
2. Access Control Options: Choose based on your needs:

• Fixed bollards: Permanent protection where parking is never permitted.
• Fold-down or removable bollards:  Authorized users can unlock or lower them using a key or remote control.

3. High Visibility: Bright colours and reflective design provide instant visual warning.
4. Strong Deterrent Effect: Drivers instantly understand that the area is secure and monitored,  discouraging illegal parking attempts.

 Legal Rights for Property Owners in Victoria

In Melbourne, parking on private property without consent is legally considered trespassing.

While towing has limitations under Victorian regulations unless access is obstructed, property owners are fully entitled to install parking bollards and locks to control and protect their own land.

Installing secure access solutions prevents the problem,  saving time, stress, and ongoing disputes.

Park Master: Your Trusted Partner in Parking Space Protection

Park Master understands the ongoing frustration illegal parking creates. That’s why we provide:

• Automated Bluetooth parking locks
• Remote-controlled bollards
• Secure key-operated locking systems
• Cost-effective solutions for homes and businesses

Whether it’s one reserved bay or a large commercial car park,  we’ve got your parking security covered.

Expert Installation Services

Your parking space is a valuable asset. Protecting it should be simple, reliable, and built to last.

Our professional team handles:

• On-site assessment
• Fast and secure installation
• User guidance and product support

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What to Do If the Illegal Parking Continues

Certain illegal parking behaviours fall under Victorian law.

Council or police may intervene when a vehicle is:

• blocking a driveway or access point
• causing a safety risk
• unregistered or abandoned

A Private Parking Agreement (PPA) between an Owners Corporation and the local council allows authorised parking officers to patrol private land and issue official government fines.

Police may assist with towing only when the vehicle is obstructing access or creating danger. Owners' Corporations generally cannot tow vehicles themselves without legal protections in place.

Notices from private parking operators are not government fines; they are contractual claims that may be disputed through Consumer Affairs Victoria or VCAT.

Public Road Rules Still Apply

Vehicles parked illegally on roads bordering private property,  for example, blocking a crossover or stopping on a nature strip, are still subject to council or police enforcement, including fines or towing.

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 Conclusion

As illegal parking continues to disrupt homes and businesses across the city, reliable solutions have never been more critical. Park Master stands at the forefront as the leading provider of car parking solutions in Melbourne, delivering durable, secure, and easy-to-operate parking bollards that put control back into your hands. Whether you choose a Bluetooth Parking Bollard with automatic closing or a Remote Control Parking Bollard, our products are designed to safeguard your private spaces, enhance safety, and reduce daily parking frustrations.