Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust are strongly urgng boaties not to leave their cars parked in the lakes while out in their boats, and if they do, the vehicles will be towed.

A SunLive reader is expressing concern about the environmental impact of a vehicle they saw left parked with its trailer in the water at a lake.

"[It] had diesel and oil slick coming from it into the lake. Not cool!" says the SunLive reader.

"If vehicles are found to be parked in our lakes, you will be towed," says a Te Arawa Lakes Trust spokesperson.

"We protect, restore and enhance the mauri of our Wai, and parking in them is a direct threat to their well-being."

Vehicles with trailers have been left parked in the water on lakes in the Bay of Plenty region. Photo: Supplied.

"Parking vehicles in the water poses a severe risk to aquatic life and our natural taonga species, disrupting habitats and compromising water quality."

"Our lakes are taonga for all to enjoy, please park in areas designated for vehicles and not in the lakes!" says a BOPRC spokesperson on the council's Facebook page.

Vehicles with trailers have been left parked on lakes in the Bay of Plenty region. Photo: Supplied.

Vehicles with trailers have been left parked on lakes in the Bay of Plenty region. Photo: Supplied.

Te Arawa Trust is urging boaties to choose parking areas designated for vehicles to preserve the sanctity of the lakes.

"It’s essential to note that parking in lakes is in breach of local by-laws rule 7 and is a prosecutable offence," says a trust spokesperson.

"These regulations exist to safeguard our environment and ensure the longevity of our natural treasures."