Shellharbour City Council is helping motorists avoid parking fines during the holiday season with the launch of a campaign focusing on safety, equality and fairness.

The campaign urges drivers to take extra care when parking their vehicles during the holiday season. 

Shellharbour Deputy Mayor John Murray said Council’s first priority was to educate motorists to ensure the community remains safe.

However, he added that fines might apply to irresponsible and dangerous parking matters.

“This is one ‘gift’ you don’t want to receive this Christmas, so allow yourselves extra time and park legally,” Cr Murray said.

“Shopping centres and commercial precincts, the foreshore and beaches attract a large number of people at this time of year and finding parking may be more difficult.”  

Parking Patrol Officers will apply a risk-based approach to parking enforcement and will target dangerous parking practises that put pedestrians and other road users at risk.

Motorist are reminded that parking in red zones “NO STOPPING” and “NO PARKING” areas endanger other road users and reduce visibility in high volume areas.

“Parking on a footpath or nature strip obstructs pedestrians from safely walking next to a road, forcing people to risk oncoming traffic in order to pass these illegally parked vehicles. Motorists parked in these areas may be fined,” Cr Murray said.

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008 or 4221 6038.