Fine-tuning plea process

COFFS Harbour motorists forked out almost $400,000 in parking fines in the past financial year

APPEAL: A new model for parking fine appeals has been backed by to the NRMA and NSW Opposition. Picture: Sharyn O'Neill

COFFS Harbour motorists forked out almost $400,000 in parking fines in the past financial year, but new methods could soon be in place to make the appeal process easier.

The New South Wales Opposition and the NRMA have called on the State Government to implement localised review panels to settle parking fine disputes – a method that has been implemented by two councils in Sydney.

Under the current framework, the State Debt Recovery Office collects parking revenue, returns a portion to councils and also administers appeals.

Shadow roads minister Jodi McKay said motorists seeking to challenge parking infringements often faced a “a drawn out, bureaucratic process” and expensive legal action to have fines overturned.

Ms McKay said Parramatta and Hurstville councils had already implemented the panel review process, which resulted in about one third of parking fines overturned.

“Motorists slapped with a parking fine should be able to appeal their fines directly to local panels made up of community members and council representatives,” Ms McKay said.

“Local panels also have the advantage of an in-depth knowledge of local parking conditions.

“This is a common sense proposal designed to cut red tape and restore motorists’ confidence in the system.

“If councils issue the tickets, and ultimately collect the revenue, then councils should give motorists a fair hearing through their local knowledge. It’s just common sense.”

NSW Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet said changes to the system would ultimately be a matter for local councils to determine.

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