BP Continues to Remove Illegally Parked Trucks and Unhitched Trailers from Sites

BP is stepping up its enforcement measures at truck stops, with the latest action targeting illegally parked vehicles and unhitched trailers at its busy Paget site in Queensland.

From Monday 16 June, vehicles parked inappropriately or left unattached at the BP location on Diesel Drive will be towed without warning. This move forms part of a broader campaign by BP to tackle parking congestion and ensure that spaces are available for genuine users of its facilities.

BP Paget is one of several truck stops across the country facing issues with misuse of parking bays. The site, which serves as a critical rest and refuelling point for freight operators and long-haul drivers, has seen a rise in unauthorised vehicles occupying spaces for extended periods. These vehicles, often left without trailers or parked with no intent to purchase fuel or use site amenities, contribute to ongoing complaints about limited access and overcrowding.

Recognising the impact on legitimate customers, especially fleet drivers and BP Plus account holders, BP has begun introducing stricter enforcement protocols at selected high-traffic locations. Paget now joins the list of sites where compliance will be actively monitored, with immediate towing action taken against offenders.

This initiative is not new. BP has already implemented similar towing policies at other locations including Archerfield in Brisbane, Eastern Creek in New South Wales, and Wingfield in South Australia. The company is focused on addressing the nationwide problem of illegal parking at service sites, particularly those designed to support Australia’s heavy vehicle industry.

Truck drivers and logistics operators rely heavily on strategically placed refuelling and rest stops. With strict fatigue management regulations in place, having access to reliable, safe and compliant rest areas is not just a convenience but a necessity. However, when parking spaces are blocked by unhitched trailers or long-abandoned vehicles, it undermines the functionality of these critical transport hubs.

BP’s decision to escalate enforcement at Paget is underpinned by growing pressure to maintain order at high-volume truck stops. Reports from multiple sites suggest that trailers left for days or even weeks at a time are becoming a common occurrence. This behaviour often stems from attempts to avoid storage fees or from poor logistics planning, but the impact is widespread, resulting in frustration, safety concerns and operational delays for those who depend on access.

The towing policy at BP Paget will be managed in line with state regulations and signage will be prominently displayed to inform all drivers of the rules. Any vehicles or trailers that are not correctly parked or left unattached to a prime mover for prolonged periods will be subject to immediate removal at the owner’s expense.

While some drivers may see this as a heavy-handed approach, industry insiders argue that it is a necessary measure. With commercial transport under increasing pressure from rising fuel costs, compliance requirements and tight delivery schedules, dependable access to service station amenities is vital for fleet efficiency.

Beyond the immediate implications for drivers and vehicle owners, the crackdown reflects a broader shift across the industry. Fuel providers including BP are moving to transform service stations into better managed, more efficient locations that not only provide fuel but also act as logistical support centres. Managing parking in a fair and consistent manner plays a key role in achieving that vision.

The Paget site has long been considered an essential stop for northbound and southbound freight operators travelling through Queensland. Ensuring that parking remains available to those who genuinely need it is now a top priority.

This change signals a clear message. BP is taking parking misuse seriously and will act to ensure that its sites remain accessible, safe and efficient for their intended users. Drivers and transport operators are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules at each site and plan accordingly to avoid disruptions or penalties.

As more sites adopt similar policies, it is likely this trend will continue across the network, prompting all road users to be more mindful about how they use shared infrastructure.

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