Do you know when a line is a sign that could lead to a (parking) fine?

It’s a trap! Wollongong councillor Dan Hayes thinks yellow lines to indicate no parking on Bode Avenue should be replaced with signs. Photo: Google Maps.

Wollongong residents might be looking for a sign, but they’re unlikely to get it.

Councillor Dan Hayes made a fervent case for more no stopping signs and fewer yellow lines at Wollongong City Council’s meeting on Monday 28 October, however, it seems unlikely to be taken up.

Cr Hayes asked for data on parking infringements handed out at opposite ends of Bode Avenue, North Wollongong, with one stretch marked with a no stopping sign and the other with a yellow line.

An unbroken yellow line on the kerb indicates parking is prohibited under NSW Government road rules.

“This street creates a unique experiment,” Cr Hayes said.

“On the ‘no stopping end’ there have been 10 infringement notices over three years.

“On the yellow line end there has been up to 161 infringement notices in the same period.

“Do drivers have a personal vendetta against yellow lines? Or perhaps they just don’t work?

“I’ve done the math – if we removed all ‘no stopping’ signs in Wollongong and replaced them with yellow lines the council would make a gazillion dollars.

“It’s inconsistent, it’s not well known and $300 is a lot of money for people who make a genuine mistake.”

People who park illegally on Bode Street, however, have made at least two mistakes.

Wollongong City Council staff advised the meeting that parking within 10 m of an intersection is illegal, again under NSW Government road rules.

The yellow line on Bode Street is to highlight that 10 m area and reinforce the road rule that exists regardless of signs or yellow lines.

Staff also put to the meeting that installing signs costs significantly more than yellow lines and takes up space that could be used for trees or footpaths.

Councillor Jess Whittaker said excessive signs were unsightly and could become redundant anyway.

“There are still Neighbourhood Watch signs up from when I was a kid,” she said.

“If people are unaware of the yellow lines, that could be an education issue, but we have a massive problem already with sign pollution.”

Cr Hayes said while installing signs might be costly to the council, the fines were costly to residents and visitors.

“I think we can do better,” he said.