Law changes needed to stop caravans, boats and trailers being stored on local streets

Under current Australian Road Rules, vehicles smaller than 7.5 metres in length or weighing less than 4.5 tonnes gross mass can remain parked on streets for as long as they wish, provided they’re registered and not in a time-restricted area.

Because many caravans, boats and trailers fall under these size limits, councils have little to no effective regulatory powers they can use to remove or relocate them, despite growing requests from the public to do so.

As a result, these long vehicles reduce street visibility, block driveways, and take up scarce parking spaces – often for days, weeks and months at a time.

Not only is this frustrating for residents and visitors, but it also hinders traffic and can obstruct waste trucks and emergency services vehicles that need access to properties, creating potential safety risks.

LGA President, Mayor Heather Holmes-Ross said councils are increasingly receiving complaints about caravans, boats and trailers being semi-permanently parked in suburban streets, yet there is little they can do under existing laws to remove them.

“Suburban streets are not personal storage spaces,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“Street congestion is already a growing issue as more allotments are being subdivided across Adelaide – and one, two or even three dwellings are being built on land footprints that were previously occupied by a single home.

“This means more cars, utes and 4WDs are spilling onto the street and the last thing we need is caravans, boats and trailers taking up what precious remaining parking spots are available.

“Unfortunately, the way the road laws are written means councils often can’t act or compel the owners of these long vehicles to move them.

“We’re seeking to work with the next state government to tighten existing legislation to start getting caravans, boats and trailers off suburban streets and into garages or other storage where they belong.”

Last year, the state government attempted to pass a Statutes Amendment (Vehicle Parking and Urban Renewal) Bill 2025 and Vehicle Parking Scheme through parliament.

The Bill, backed by LGA, would have set new standards – including larger minimum garage sizes – to support vehicles being parked in driveways and garages, rather than clogging up kerbs.

State Labor is now taking the issue to the March State Election.

“The clear feedback councils hear from communities is they don’t want to see local streets crammed full of vehicles, and it’s why we support the state government taking this proactive approach,” Mayor Holmes-Ross said.

“This is not an anti-development position. It’s a pro-community position that supports the delivery of appropriately designed housing by ensuring new homes are built fit-for-purpose to accommodate modern and larger vehicles and help get them off the street.

“This includes large utes, SUVs, 4WDs and also caravans, boats and trailers.”

As part of the consultation from both LGA and state government on changes to garage sizes, councils consistently raised concerns about increasing congestion, safety risks and the strain being placed on public space.

Regardless of any future reforms, councils will continue to play a critical role in managing and enforcing street parking regulations to ensure neighbourhoods remain accessible.

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For media enquiries, contact media@lga.sa.gov.au or 0476 853 689.