Residents, however, argue restrictions are not the answer.

More than 10 irate residents attended a council meeting last Tuesday night after becoming fed up with the number of cars crowding their street.

Instead of a two-hour parking limit, they want half-hour parking so drivers who park in the street have insufficient time to visit the doctor, a patient or work a shift at the hospital.

Knox director of engineering and infrastructure Ian Bell said residents would be given three parking permits for each household.

Graham Johnston, who has lived in Ainsdale Avenue for more than 13 years, said most days he was unable to safely leave his drive. ‘‘I can’t see oncoming traffic coming down the street and they can’t see me reversing out.’’

Mr Johnston said his main concern was that any expansion of the hospital would bring even more people and cars to the area.

‘‘The problem hasn’t occurred because the car park at the hospital is full. It’s because people have to pay to park there and why would they when they can get free parking around the corner?’’

Mr Johnston said he understood why staff would not want to pay $10 a day to park.

Some weeks rubbish bins are left full because council collection trucks are obstructed by parked cars.

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said she was in the same predicament.

The woman said a neighbour had been trapped in his house for nine hours after a car parked across his driveway.

‘‘He called the police and he called the hospital but nobody could do anything,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s at the point where we’ve all had enough now. It’s consuming our lives.’’

Cr Joe Cossari said any changes had to be fair to all. ‘‘I agree residents have the right to enjoy the quietness of their street and I understand where they are coming from,’’ he said.

‘‘But I also feel for the hospital staff who are providing a service to the community. I think the hospital organisation has an obligation to provide affordable parking for their staff.’’

Cr Cossari urged residents to give the council recommendation a chance. ‘‘We can always reassess the outcome in the future.’’