TYABB residents have raised concerns regarding fines being issued for cars parked on nature strips.
Residents in the area say the fines began in early July, with some households receiving multiple infringements within days.
Jordyn White, who has been advocating for affected residents, said she had personally received two fines in three days.
“We’ve heard about six fines for some houses now, three days apart,” said White.
Residents say the problem is particularly dire on narrow roads where parked vehicles on the road can restrict access for other cars and potentially emergency services.
“The fines have forced people on our street to start parking on the road,” said White.
“It has limited visibility and has made it incredibly dangerous. The bin truck might not be able to get to certain houses this week, and emergency services definitely can’t access our street.”
White said the issue was particularly concerning due to the number of elderly residents in the area.
White created a petition calling on council to allow parking on nature strips, which currently has around 150 signatures.
One of her neighbours, Rebecca Kappe, shared the petition and concerns on a local community Facebook page.
Since then, residents from Hastings and Somerville have also raised concerns about issued parking fines.
Kappe said her husband recently received a fine despite living in the area for 17 years without previously experiencing any issues parking on the nature strip.
“I just think that they’re punishing us for their lack of foresight,” said Kappe.
She said the number of vehicles per household has increased as young people struggle to afford to move out.
“I know of two families, at least just in our street, that have four and five adult kids at home,” said Kappe.
“So of course it’s going to mean an increase in cars per household.”
Kappe also said the cost of the fines was weighing on residents.
“The young guys across the road from me, one of them has received three fines,” said Kappe.
“To me, that’s just harassment.”
Residents said they have previously parked on nature strips to keep the road clear rather than obstructing their neighbours.
“Our street is lovely. All of the people that live on our street are awesome,” said Kappe.
“We’re all very courteous to one another, which is why we’ve made our nature strips look nice, and so that we can put our cars out of the way of everybody else.”
David Chester, who regularly visits the area, said people are now struggling to identify where they can legally park.
“If I park my car in their driveway, which their two cars are in the front, there’s nowhere else to park, and so I’ll get a fine as well,” said Chester.
“If anyone visits on Christmas Day now, where do they park? They can’t park out in the street; they’ve made the roads too narrow.”
Chester said he believed the enforcement was unreasonable given the circumstances residents are facing in today’s financial climate.
“I think it’s just a money grab,” said Chester.
“I think it’s disgraceful to think that we’re in these times now, and everyone, especially in Victoria, is struggling with the cost of living, and now they’re going for this.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Director of Planning and Liveability Andrew Pomeroy said parking on nature strips in built-up areas is an offence under Victorian road rules and council officers are required to enforce the rules.
“Council understands concerns about access on narrow roads, and it can consider these concerns separately through its traffic and transport processes where appropriate,” said Pomeroy.
Pomeroy said anyone who has received an infringement may apply for a review, which will be assessed in accordance with the legislation.
Residents are calling for the council to consider the physical constraints of narrow streets rather than enforcing the parking rules without providing alternative parking options.
First published in the Mornington News – 25 August 2026
