Why parking fines are about to get cheaper
NSW drivers can expect to see cheaper parking fines following a major penalty overhaul from the NSW government.
In this month’s state budget, 10 common parking fines will be reduced by 25 per cent.
The State Government only issues about 10 per cent of all parking fines but Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is calling on councils to follow suit.
“Fines should be a deterrent to an offence, but they also should be fair, and not used as an easy option to build a bankroll for whatever project is flavour of the day,” he said on Saturday.
At Government-controlled parking zones, minimum fines will fall from $110 to $80.
The changes will come into effect on July 1 in government-controlled parking zones, including Barangaroo, The Botanic Gardens, Centennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, and Wentworth and Parramatta Parks.
“We’re setting maximums for councils, they’ll have the flexibility now to charge less, [so the] ball’s in their court,” Mr Perrottet said.
“I call on them to do it.”
The investigation will also focus on fixing unclear street signs so that drivers are not unwittingly penalised.
Local councils raked in about $172 million in the 2016/17 financial year from parking penalties. State government-issued fines totalled $15 million.
“Fines such as speeding, running a red light, not wearing a seat belt, stopping on a clearway or using a mobile phone when driving are naturally much higher … they are not part of this review,” Mr Perrottet said.
The NSW Business Chamber praised the state government’s proposal to cap fines imposed by councils.
“It will be pretty clear now which councils want to work with their residents and businesses, and which ones are simply interested in revenue raising,” chief executive Stephen Cartwright said.
“(People who) make honest mistakes due to confusing messages, or are delayed by a couple of minutes while they complete their shopping should not be penalised by huge fines.”
Fines to be cut by 25 per cent:
1. Park for longer than permitted
2. Park without ticket displayed
3. Park after ticket expired
4. Stand vehicle in area longer than allowed
5. Stop in restricted parking area
6. Park after meter expired
7. Not stand vehicle in marked parking space
8. Remain in ticket-operated loading zone after ticket expired
9. Park without current loading zone ticket
10. Park without paying meter fee