Bayside Council issues $500,000 in parking fines each month
Bayside Council parking rangers are now so prolific they each rake in a staggering amount in fines every month. It’s not rocket science - here’s how they’re doing it.
Southern Courier
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Bayside Council is raking in more than $500,000 a month in parking fines following a crack down on parking infringements near schools.
On average this year, the council has issued $525,000 in parking fines each month, with the most common fine given out for failing to observe no stopping signs.
The number of parking fines issued across the Bayside Council area has risen in recent years, with 26,600 tickets issued during the 2017/18 financial year compared to 29,700 tickets in the 2018/19 financial year.
A Bayside Council spokesman said parking rangers had been tasked with increased patrols near schools which had played a factor in the higher number of tickets.
“Council has increased patrols around school zones and co-ordinated enforcement of problem areas with the local police.
“Increased patrols around high complaint areas has also seen more fines issued,” he said.
“Over the last financial year the most prevalent parking fine issued was for Disobey No Stopping Sign.”
The council spokesman said all money collected from fines went into the council’s general revenue to “fund the cost of compliance and safety activities throughout Bayside”.
Despite the eye watering amount three neighbouring councils have issued a significantly higher number of fines including City of Sydney, Inner West Council and City of Canterbury Bankstown.
The council currently employs 10 parking rangers. Fine amounts are set by the State Government not the council.
Bayside Council parking fines (by financial year):
2018/19: $5.9 million
2017/18: $4.9 million
2016/17: $4.2 million
2015/16: $3.6 million
2014/15: $3.4 million
2013/14: $3.3 million