Business owners on Claremont Avenue in Greenacre, Sydney, are expressing frustration over a line of unregistered and abandoned vehicles obstructing their operations. These vehicles, often without engines, are causing significant disruptions, impacting both deliveries and customer access.
Vincent, a local business owner, recently purchased a warehouse on the street, only to discover what he describes as “a street that other businesses dump their cars on.” The presence of these vehicles has forced trucks to wait for extended periods before accessing his property, directly affecting his business’s bottom line.
Impact on Local Businesses
The situation on Claremont Avenue has reached a critical point, with business owners like Vincent reporting that delivery trucks often leave without unloading due to blocked driveways. “Last Friday, a container arrived, but the driver left immediately after seeing the situation,” Vincent explained, highlighting the ongoing issues.
The lack of available parking spaces has led to workers and customers double parking, resulting in accidents and further congestion. In New South Wales, parking unregistered vehicles on public roads is illegal, yet enforcement appears to be lacking.
Calls for Council Intervention
Vincent has called on the City of Canterbury Bankstown to take action, noting that despite paying council rates, there has been little response to the numerous complaints lodged by local businesses. “There were no actions being done for the street,” he lamented.
According to Vincent, many of the unregistered cars belong to a nearby business, A-Z Auto Care, which he accuses of occupying off-street parking spaces. Attempts to resolve the issue directly with the owner have been unsuccessful, with the owner allegedly dismissing concerns and suggesting Vincent contact the council.
Community Frustration
Other business operators, like Abdul, share Vincent’s frustration. “That is very selfish because we don’t do that to any of our other neighbours,” Abdul stated, emphasizing the community’s usual cooperative spirit. Adam, who runs an auto repair shop next to A-Z Auto Care, has also been affected, reporting lost customers who can’t find parking.
“Cars that have no plates, cars that have no green slip shouldn’t be on the road,” Adam stressed, underscoring the legal and safety concerns.
Council and Legal Perspectives
The City of Canterbury Bankstown has acknowledged the issue, with a spokesperson stating that council rangers regularly inspect known illegal parking locations, including Claremont Avenue. The spokesperson noted the complexity of vehicle removal, especially when vehicles lack number plates, making it difficult to identify owners.
Council efforts include issuing fines and abandoned vehicle declaration notices, and they work closely with NSW Police and the office of Fair Trading to conduct joint operations. However, the process remains challenging and slow.
Looking Forward
The ongoing situation on Claremont Avenue highlights the broader challenges of urban management and the enforcement of parking regulations. As businesses continue to suffer, the need for effective solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The local business community is calling for more decisive action from authorities to ensure that public spaces are used appropriately and that businesses can operate without undue hindrance.
With the council and local businesses at an impasse, the resolution of this issue will likely require a concerted effort from all stakeholders involved. As the situation develops, the hope remains that a sustainable solution will be reached, allowing Greenacre’s businesses to thrive once more.
