Frustration over parking in Kiama is reaching boiling point with residents, workers and volunteers raising serious concerns about fines, shrinking parking availability and what many describe as a “one size fits all” enforcement approach that ignores local conditions.

On Cedar Grove’s Coachwood Street, residents say they are being unfairly penalised for parking in ways they believe are necessary to keep their narrow street safe and functional. 

Several locals have recently received $330 parking infringement notices for parking on the verge or partially in their driveways, with others anxious they could be next.

Kiama resident Deb Riley said residents are “exasperated” by the sudden enforcement action and feel “ripped off” as they try to navigate parking in a street with physical constraints.

Coachwood Street is approximately 4.9 metres wide, significantly narrower than Kiama Municipal Council’s minimum road width requirement of 6.5 metres. 

Residents say they have long parked carefully to avoid obstructing traffic and to ensure neighbours can access their properties safely.

Residents also report that keeping the street clear can be particularly difficult on bin collection days, when garbage trucks occupy much of the roadway.

Similar challenges occur with gas trucks and other service vehicles.

Those who have received infringement notices have indicated they intend to dispute the fines, arguing the situation does not make practical sense given the street’s design.

Parking has been a hot topic in the Kiama CBD lately. 

The Level 33 site, commonly known as the Akuna Street car park, was sold by Council in late 2022 for $28 million. The site is now fenced off and no longer accessible to the public.

The Sydney-based developer that purchased the site has since secured State Significant Development status for a proposed development of up to eight storeys, including two supermarkets, furthering concerns among locals about Kiama’s capacity to manage parking demand.

These issues have prompted widespread discussion across social media platforms, with community members sharing experiences, expressing frustration and calling for clearer guidance and solutions from council.

Riley said residents are calling on Kiama Municipal Council to take action.

“We call on [Council] to do something about it so we don’t ever have to deal with this outrageous situation again,” she said.

Those affected by the closure or other parking issues are encouraged to reach out to The Bugle with feedback or questions at hello@thebuglenews.com.au.