For many households in Waverley, leaving home can be delayed by a car blocking the driveway. Parents dropping children at school and workers heading to jobs have reported being unable to access their properties because of illegally parked vehicles. Until now, residents had to wait for local officials’ notifications or police reports, which provided no immediate relief.
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A new trial will allow cars blocking driveways to be relocated within hours. Vehicles will be moved to the nearest lawful parking space, and owners will be notified via NSW Police or an on-site notice. Residents can report incidents through the Snap Send Solve app or directly to the council.
The trial follows more than 2,100 complaints in the past financial year from residents unable to enter or exit their homes due to blocked driveways. Previously, council action was limited to issuing infringement notices and alerting police, leaving residents with no practical way to clear access.
Fines for illegally parking across driveways are set to increase from $300 to around $600 to cover the costs of towing. During the 12-month trial, the council will absorb costs until the fines are formally updated, likely by mid-2026.
Parking officers will assess each complaint, considering safety and the logistics of moving a vehicle without causing damage. Towing is expected to occur within three hours during normal rostered hours, or the following day if necessary. Offending vehicles will be relocated to the nearest legal parking space.
Waverley is the second most densely populated local government area in New South Wales, and its beaches—including Bondi, Bronte, and Tamarama—attract large numbers of visitors. High traffic and limited parking have contributed to frequent reports of blocked driveways.
Cr Michelle Stephenson noted the practical impact for residents, including delays for families and workers. “From all accounts, it is just getting worse,” she said, adding that blocked driveways can leave residents unable to access their own properties.
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Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh described illegal parking as “inconsiderate” with “a real impact on people’s everyday lives.” He said the council had listened to residents’ concerns and that the trial would provide more immediate consequences for drivers who block driveways. The trial is scheduled to begin in time for summer, giving the council a year to monitor outcomes and decide whether towing should become a permanent policy.
Published 28-October-2025
