Did You Know - Nature Strip Parking is Unlawful

Published on 18 September 2026

Did you know that parking any part of a vehicle on a nature strip is illegal?

Under Rule 197 of the Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017, it is unlawful for drivers to stop or park on a nature strip, footpath, or dividing strip in a built-up area.  This law applies universally across all public streets – whether you are stopping near a school, visiting local shops, or attending a community event.  Unless an official road sign explicitly permits it, the entire area between the property boundary and the kerb must remain completely clear of vehicles.

Why keeping nature strips clear matters:

• Pedestrian Safety:  Nature strips and footpaths are dedicated safety zones for community members.  When vehicles block these areas, pedestrians – including parents with prams, school children, and individuals using wheelchairs or mobility scooters – are forced off the safety of the path and onto the active road into the line of traffic.
• Destruction of Infrastructure:  Nature strips house vital underground utilities, including water mains, gas lines, and telecommunication cables.  The immense weight of a vehicle easily cracks these pipes, collapses utility pits, and breaks the concrete kerbs, leading to costly public repairs and service disruptions.
• Erosion and Environmental Damage:  Tyres tear up the grass, crush root systems, and compact the soil so tightly that new greenery cannot grow.  During wet weather, these exposed areas quickly erode into deep, unsightly mud ruts that wash into storm water drains and ruin shared public spaces.

Roads and designated bays are designed for vehicles, while nature strips are designs to protect pedestrians, preserve infrastructure, and keep our neighbourhoods green.  Please do your part to keep our community safe and beautiful by parking fully on the road.