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Sales under microscope

Posted on 23 May, 2016

Local councils are becoming concerned with a rise in roadside car sales, with one councillor naming it “a distraction.” Nelson City councillor, Paul Matheson, says: “If you see a sign that says 500 bucks, people slow down to have a look at the car and become oblivious [to traffic].” Roadside sales had been made illegal under a 2011 Nelson City Council bylaw, which allows driving a car with a ‘for sale’ sign, but prohibits parking cars on council land “for the principal purpose of selling that vehicle”. Tasman District Council communications adviser, Chris Choat, says that parking around local schools had become “quite hampered at the moment” by cars for sale. "We're looking at two options. One is time restrictions - whether that's for a couple of hours or sites around [school] drop offs - or zone restrictions." Mandy Bishop, consents and compliance manager, says that if parking officers found any breach on their regular patrols, they would inform the owner they were breaching the law and then “follow-up to see that they’ve removed the vehicle.” Owners who refused to comply could be issued with a $40 fine. Bishop says: “The potential danger is when drivers become distracted by these vehicles or slow down to look. Vehicles for sale on the side of the road can also reduce parks for other people and negatively impact on the look of a neighbourhood.” Tony Everett, Motor Trade Association dealer sector specialist, says that councils need to ensure that sellers were “genuine private owners” and not illegal traders looking to avoid their legal obligations in ensuring vehicle safety. The issue is expected to be addressed in a review of the council’s traffic bylaw in June.