Perth Voice Interactive

VINCENT city council has softened its stance on convicting people sleeping rough in cars in the city.

Camping out in cars in Vincent’s streets was banned after backpackers ruined it for everyone with their boozy, messy sleepouts.

The council will now only enforce the ban after receiving a complaint from a resident, ratepayer or police officer.

Mayor Alannah MacTiernan was concerned the original ban might have affected people who were genuinely homeless and desperate.

“There was a mother and child living across from me in a car for three nights because they couldn’t find emergency accommodation,” she said.

“We don’t want to hurt those who are genuinely homeless, just those who want to leave bottles everywhere and have a party.”

Cr Warren McGrath says the ban removes “colour” from the city.

Cr John Carey disagrees: ”If colour is backpackers peeing in the streets and throwing bottles around, then I’d rather have black and white.”

More backpackers have been camping out on streets now FIFOs have started filling up local hostels.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK