Hume council is clamping down on people taking advantage of public land to advertise their cars for sale.
Local laws officers will increase patrols this weekend at locations notoriously used by private car sellers who want the exposure to busy roads and intersections.
Parking on council land without the relevant permit incurs a fine of up to $200
Mayor Adem Atmaca said the practice was not only illegal but dangerous, and has caused a number of accidents because drivers had become distracted.
“We are aware of a number of collisions in which motorists have driven into the rear of a car in front of them, because their eyes were diverted to a car that was illegally advertised for sale,” he said.
Somerton, Riddells and Gap Road and Elizabeth Drive are popular spots people hoping to sell their car use for some free advertising.
“There are many ways to promote the sale of a car, and I encourage people to consider marketing techniques that are legal and maintain the safety of everyone,” Cr Atmaca said.
According to The Road Management Act it is an offence to park a car on a reserve or nature strip. More specifically, the Summary Offences Act 1966 prohibits anyone from exposing a vehicle in a public street as being for sale, except at fairs or markets.
