TRUCK owner-operators have attacked proposed new parking laws, saying the last thing struggling truck drivers need is another financial burden.
Redland City Council's draft changes to heavy vehicle regulations would require truck drivers to pay for a permit to park a vehicle on a residential property.
A permit system is already in place for parking a heavy vehicle on a residential street, with owners facing a $325 application fee and a $225 annual renewal charge.
The council is seeking public feedback on its planned extension of the scheme, but truck drivers have already branded the move a "money grab".
Owner-operator Kev Kennedy said he was concerned his large Redland Bay property would not comply with the criteria for obtaining a permit because of its street frontage.
"I'd either have to sell my house and move out of the Redlands, or sell my trucks, which I can't do, or park them at Rocklea," he said.
"I'd have less time with the family and more costs."
Dale Wilkins, of Capalaba, said many truck drivers had tried to do the right thing by moving to larger properties and he had only ever had one complaint from a neighbour.
He called for complaints to be dealt with on a case-by-case basis under the existing system.
"Ninety nine per cent of people who drive trucks don't go out of their way to annoy their neighbours," Mr Wilkins said.
The council's acting chief executive officer, Ray Turner, said residents had made 150 complaints about the parking of trucks in residential areas in the 2007-08 financial year.
The proposed change would only affect trucks that could carry a load of 4.5 tonnes or heavier in specific residential zones.
"Because circumstances exist where some heavy vehicles provide an unacceptable disruption to residential neighbourhoods, the council needs to control and regulate this activity," Mr Turner said.
Only one permit has been granted for parking in a residential street under the existing system.
Truck drivers are allowed to keep only one truck on their property unless they have obtained approval for a "depot".
Residents and truck owners can make a submission on the proposed changes by September 16.
The council says it is also looking at "alternative" parking options in the Redlands.
For more information, contact the council on 3829 8705 or visit www.redland.qld.gov.au.