Parking fines are about to get cheaper for NSW drivers

ONE of the most annoying things about getting around Sydney is the threat of a whopping parking fine. Now there are some changes on the way.

Some good news for Sydney drivers. Picture: Cormac Hanrahan

PARKING fines are about to get cheaper for NSW drivers following a major penalty overhaul from the NSW government.

The 10 most common parking fines will be slashed by 25 per cent, a key part of this month’s state budget.

The State Government issues about 10 per cent of all parking fines but Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is pushing councils to follow his lead in slashing minimum fines from $110 to $80.

“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.

The changes come into effect from July 1 and will affect zones around Barangaroo, in the CBD’s north, and the Sydney foreshore, The Botanic Gardens, Centennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, and Wentworth and Parramatta Parks.

A 10-minute grace period for tardy drivers before fines are issued will also be floated, as part of a review into all non-safety-related road penalties. But that won’t apply to five-minute parking zones.

The investigation also seeks to fix confusing street signs to prevent people from being unwittingly stung at the meter.

“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.

Local councils dole out the bulk of parking penalties, raking in about $172 million in the 2016/17 financial year while state government issued fines totalled $15 million.

The NSW Business Chamber applauded 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:
Park for longer than permitted

Park without ticket displayed

Park after ticket expired

Stand vehicle in area longer than allowed

Stop in restricted parking area

Park after meter expired

Not stand vehicle in marked parking space

Remain in ticket-operated loading zone after ticket expired

Park without current loading zone ticket

Park without paying meter fee