How much your local council makes off parking fines

The City of Sydney raked in more than $45 million from parking violations last financial year, more than double any other council area, with drivers in the CBD, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst most likely to be fined.

Sydney’s councils received almost $226 million in parking fines – an average of $25,798 an hour – in the 12 months to June.

As councils prepare to crack down on parking at beaches and shopping districts this summer, analysis of Revenue NSW data by the Herald has revealed the areas of Sydney where drivers receive the most fines, and pay the largest penalties.

Canterbury-Bankstown garnered $16 million from 68,116 fines, a similar number to the neighbouring Inner West’s $15.4 million. However, motorists stung by the south-western Sydney council received much larger fines: an average of $232, compared with $159 in the Inner West.

Waverley Council collected almost $11 million in fines, while the City of Parramatta accumulated $10.4 million, rounding out the top five councils.

Northern Beaches Council issued $7.5 million in fines. A spokesperson said more fines were issued during the summer when demand for parking at beaches was greater.

There are 125 possible parking violations in NSW. The most common parking offences in 2023-24 were failing to pay for parking, parking for longer than indicated and disobeying a no stopping sign.

A spokesperson for the City of Sydney defended its high figures. They said most fines were issued in the CBD, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst areas, where parking was scarce.

“Where parking is allowed, demand often exceeds supply, so we introduce and enforce charges or time restrictions to encourage fair turnover of spaces,” they said.

“In quieter or more suburban areas, there is more room for parking and less need to enforce turnover of available parking spots.”

The most common offences in Canterbury-Bankstown were parking in no-stopping zones, exceeding time limits, and using disabled spots without permits. Offences related to the mobility parking scheme attract the highest penalties, of up to $818.

A Canterbury-Bankstown spokesperson said fines were particularly common in retail precincts.

There were more ticketless parking fines issued across the Sydney region than physical ones during the time period.

A 49 per cent rise in ticketless fines last year prompted NSW parliament to pass amendments that will require rangers to attach physical tickets to vehicles unless they pose a potential hazard.

Drivers must also receive photographic proof of the violation and should not receive numerous fines for the same offence without their knowledge.

The new rules are yet to come into effect.

“The government is still in the process of updating the accompanying regulations that specify in what form notices should be provided,” the City of Sydney spokesperson said.

Sydney’s local councils have accrued $83 million in fines since July, an almost 10 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said the government was working with councils and other stakeholders to implement the reforms “in a responsible and measured way” in 2025.

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