Sydney councils topping NSW Revenue list for parking fines despite reforms

A State Government reform to lower parking fines has done little to encourage councils to drop the ticketed amount — as drivers pay millions.

Parking Inspectors have dolled out more than $80 million in fines across five councils. Picture: Jonathan Ng

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TWO of Sydney’s northwest councils are set to lighten the sting of parking fines as others weigh up whether to “opt in” after State Government regulatory reforms last year.

The Hills Shire Council has given the nod to reduce the standard parking fine from $112 to $80 in 2019, and Ryde Council has signalled its intention to follow suit.

However, Parramatta Council is unlikely to ease the hit at the hip pocket over fears it would dent the bottom line of local businesses, as well as its own.

Elsewhere, Cumberland and Hunters Hill councils will debate the matter at meetings next month.

It comes amid revelations that councils right across Sydney are raking in more parking fine revenue than ever.

The City of Sydney hoovered up a whopping $40,882,913 last year, up from $36.8 million in the previous 12 months. It was well ahead of Inner West Council, which came in second with $12,451,375 last year.

In the northwest, Parramatta Council made $6.6 million in 2018, up from $5.5 million in 2017. Neighbouring Cumberland’s coffers were boosted by $3.9 million, an increase of $1.1 million over the previous year. Ryde recorded $4.1 million, up slightly from $4 million in 2017.

The state’s smallest council, Hunters Hill, also had an increase in parking fine revenue in 2018. It made $226,161, up 11 per cent on the previous year.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Andrew Wilson said his council would debate a possible reduction in fines next month.

Parking in Parramatta is unlikely to get cheaper as the council fears the hit to the bottom line.

“I don’t believe council will be reducing the fines, though,” he said. “There are a number of reasons for it.

“First, parking in our city is at an absolute premium. A person overstaying can cost our businesses an absolute fortune and we need to keep turning over spaces.

“Plus, the potential hit the bottom line affects our ability to borrow.”

However, Ryde Mayor Jerome Laxale says his council had “taken the first steps” to reducing the cost of fines.

“Council’s keen to opt in. But before we do it, we’ll get a report on the financial implications and then make a decision in February,” Cr Laxale said.