Backpacker vans face tow-away threat

Backpackers sleeping off a big night in their parked camper vans in Victoria Street Kings Cross might soon find themselves unexpectedly in transit – on the back of a tow truck.

The new Council rules come after intense lobbying from local residents and businesses who are inconvenienced by the large numbers of backpacker vehicles parked and often for sale on the street, which hosts many hostels.

Between 20 and 30 vehicles are commonly parked all day in one-hour zones. The owners ignore parking fines, counting on being back home overseas before they are enforced.

Locals say many do not take rooms in the hostels, but live in their vehicles and find creative ways to access toilets and showers.

Now, if cars are not moved after copping a fine, Council will start towing them away.

The problem remains, however, as the vehicles must park somewhere and many travellers depend for cash on selling the vehicle they may have taken around Australia.

In the past Council solved the problem by setting up a car exchange in the Kings Cross Carpark. But that is now under private management and the service discontinued.

Council will encourage travellers to sell their vehicles via the internet.

by Michael Gormly