A Lake Macquarie Council ranger issued the on-the-spot fines during what drivers described as a blitz on the popular parking spot, used to sell vehicles privately.

Ross Goninan, whose company specialises in recycling building materials on a major scale, has warned others about parking in the vicinity of the roundabout - for any reason.

"There's a sign on the other side of the road which says you can't park there to sell your car, and everybody abides by it. But I would have thought council would be grateful that I'm encouraging recycling, that's their big push, isn't it? That's what my vehicle was there to do. And there's no sign at all on the big open area we were parked in," Mr Goninan said.

"One of the people booked was a girl who was simply car pooling to save money and do her bit for the climate. She was very unimpressed. And whose ground is it?

"The infringement notice says we've parked on the footpath in a built-up area but it isn't clear where the footpath is and it certainly doesn't look built up. The irony is the council is supposed to be encouraging recycling as a priority."

Mark Meredith witnessed the angry reaction of drivers who were fined.

"There were about a dozen people onto the ranger and there were some very cranky people," Mr Meredith said.

The area adjacent to the roundabout is a road reserve and subject to the Australian Road Rules.

Council has denied claims it was a blitz by rangers.

"Council has received complaints about illegal parking at the roundabout but council is not running a particular campaign on that roundabout; rangers patrol this area together with the rest of the Morisset business district restricted parking areas," a spokesperson said.

"Council rangers issued five fines. Any vehicles that were on the road reserve, which includes the footpath or strip, are in breach of the Australian Road Rules and can be issued with a fine. Main Road 217 is a main road and responsibility of the RTA. Freemans Drive/Wyee Road are local roads and council's responsibility."