In what can be termed as a big relief to motorists who break parking rules, the New South Wales government is set to introduce a series of changes relating to parking fines, including a grace period for motorists and allowing councils to set their own lower fines.
From 1 July 2018, the 10 most common parking fines in New South Wales will be reduced by 25 per cent, the state government has .
The NSW Government will undertake a review of all fines, except those that may impact road safety, and investigate fixing confusing parking signs.
Here are the ten most common parking fines to be reduced to $80:
- Park continuously for longer than permitted
- Park without current ticket displayed
- Park after ticket expired
- Stand vehicle in an area longer than allowed
- Stop in the restricted parking area
- Park after meter expired
- Not stand a 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
The state government will also investigate a grace period for motorists to prevent people receiving fines if they overstay a meter by just a few minutes.
Currently, the NSW Government sets parking fine levels, with the current minimum amount set at $110.
New legislation will allow local governments and other authorities the flexibility to also charge lower amounts.
A NSW Government State Debt Recovery Office penalty reminder notice. Source: AAP
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said road safety wouldn’t be compromised by the changes.
“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 and reflect the seriousness of the offence – they are not part of this review,” Mr Perrottet said.
These changes will be part of the 2018-19 State Budget to be released on June 19th, 2018.
