"Wanaka residents are being given 'fair warning' that parking on footpaths was illegal," Queenstown Lakes District Council Wanaka operations manager Chris Hawker said.

"On some streets, due to the nature of the kerb, residents have got into the habit of parking off the street. Unfortunately, this often completely blocks pedestrian access," Mr Hawker said.

He said it was a matter of educating the public that the practice of parking across mountable kerbs was illegal.

"It is also extremely dangerous, particularly when you have parents with prams and small children having to negotiate around a parked vehicle by stepping out onto the road, it's actually a matter of common sense," Mr Hawker said.

A random check of streets during the daytime revealed the practice was wide-spread.

Over the next two weeks the Council would embark on an education campaign, which would involve leaving flyers on illegally parked vehicless.

"After that we will be addressing the problem through enforcement, whereby anyone found to be parked illegally across the footpath will receive a fine," Mr Hawker said.

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Hawker 03 443 8197.

By: Tamah