In many of inner Melbourne's narrow streets, motorists are used to parking on the footpath, running the gauntlet of a fine from their local council.

But in one narrow street in the suburb of Abbotsford, the war between car owners and through-traffic got so severe the council formalised the practice.

Yarra Street in Abbotsford, where Yarra Council has allowed motorists to park on part of the footpath after hours. Credit:The Age

Yarra Council had street markings painted on part of the footpath as a result of a series of complaints from residents about the problems of other motorists knocking their cars.

The street markings were done five years ago, and were raised on social media on Monday.