First published 28 Oct 2026, 4:30am
Sutherland Shire’s long-awaited trailer parking crackdown will finally begin in late November, with owners facing $140 fines for leaving unhitched trailers on streets in five trial zones.
The controversial six-month trial was originally due to start in late July, but has been delayed by about four months as the council finalises signage, operations and community notifications.
Sutherland Shire Council says the restrictions are being introduced after a flood of complaints from frustrated residents about boat trailers, caravans and other trailers taking up street parking and creating safety concerns.
A council spokesperson confirmed to Shire News that the rollout was now close.
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“Sutherland Shire Council is finalising operational arrangements and community communications for the rollout of its six-month Trailer Parking Restriction Trial across the five designated locations,” the spokesperson said.
“Parking restriction signage is expected to be installed from late October to early November, with the trial anticipated to commence in late November 2026.”
Tonkin Street precinct in Cronulla is among five key trial areas. Image: Google Maps
Once in force, the restrictions will ban unhitched trailers from parking in signed areas under “No Parking Motor Vehicles Excepted” rules.
That includes boat trailers, caravans, box trailers and horse floats.
The five locations selected for the trial are the Tonkin Street precinct in Cronulla, the Gannons Road and Woolooware Golf Course precinct, the Woolooware Road and Kingsway sports fields precinct in Woolooware, the Lilli Pilli Sports Ground precinct and Tivoli Esplanade in Como.
The trial will commence in November. Source: Google Maps
Council says drivers will get a three-week warning period before fines start being issued.
The move follows more than 2400 reports about boat trailer parking and more than 500 complaints about caravans received by council during 2025.
It says the trial will be used to assess whether the changes improve parking availability, road safety and local amenity, with the results helping determine whether similar restrictions should be made permanent or expanded to other parts of the shire.
The proposed fines have triggered a fierce reaction online, with many locals backing the tougher approach.
“If you can’t store your belongings on your property, it can’t be on the street. Simple,” one person wrote on Facebook.
“If you need to park it on the street you can’t afford a boat,” another said.
A third added: “Bring the restrictions in other areas as well. We have difficulty seeing clearance due to a boat parking on the kerb.”
Others, however, questioned whether owners of registered trailers should be penalised.
“Cash grab. If it’s registered it’s legal to park there,” one person argued.
Another wrote: “$140 fine? Cheaper than renting a parking space.”
A third said: “If it’s registered it’s legal. See you in court.”
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