Resident hits back at rude message over 'contentious' beachside problem

The fight for parking spots in crowded streets has left people intolerant of those leaving their boat trailer in busy neighbourhoods, with the latest dispute escalating into vandalism of a family boat.

The words 'f**k it off' were sprayed in red paint on a boat parked in Freshwater — a suburb on Sydney's Northern Beaches — likely from an angry resident fed up with the boat parked in the street that has limited parking.

However, the boat owner responded with a politely-worded letter taped over the graffiti.

It read: "The boat and trailer are registered and we can thus park it legally in the street. We live in the street and haven't just parked it here as it looks like a quiet spot. I have tried to be thoughtful ... Hope you can understand and not graffiti or damage our family boat'.

Frustration over trailer erupts despite no laws broken

Images of the messages were shared online with the poster admitting the boat trailer is "parked in a very high density area with apartments near the beach". The boat in question was parked in Ronald Avenue — with the exact spot not having any parking restrictions. Therefore, 'a first come, first served' policy applies like all other vehicles battling out for parking in any other unrestricted zone.

In NSW it is legal for boat trailers to be stationed on the street in the one spot for up to 28 days. The boat needs to be moved after that time and its new location needs to be 'at least as far as a different block section of the same street', according to guidelines.

Despite the legalities, which were pointed out online, many were quick to share how "annoying" it was having to compete for parking with neighbours' boat trailers as well as their cars.

"If you can afford to keep that thing maintained, you can afford to rent a spot to store it," one wrote, while another admitted it was a "contentious" issue in the area.

• Aussies left with 'headache' over confusing parking sign: 'I would leave'

• Aussie council called in over 'makeshift' no parking sign: 'Not legal'

• Melbourne parking sign baffles Canadian tourist: 'WTF Australia?'

Local council crackdown on boat trailers

Northern Beaches Council introduced new parking signs in 2018 for specific areas after receiving complaints from residents about boat trailers taking up parking space and causing road safety issues.

The signs effectively restrict any vehicle that doesn't have a motor from parking in the area, meaning boats as well as advertising trailers which are dumped are strictly forbidden in the area, regardless of the duration it is parked there.

“We are getting an increasing number of complaints from residents fed up with trailers and boats taking up most of the parking next to playgrounds, parks and fields and rarely being moved,” Mayor Michael Regan said at the time. “Our new approach prevents boats and trailers from parking at all in some known problem areas."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.