The State Government will take action to reform the ticketless parking fine system, ensuring drivers receive on-the-spot notifications for parking fines.
Penrith Council issued 17,578 ticketless parking fines last year, generating almost $3 million in revenue.
But there are concerns the ticketless system has robbed drivers of transparency and eroded trust in the parking fine system.
The Government wrote to Councils earlier this year pleading them to improve the system but will now legislate changes.
Councils will be required to attach an on-the-spot notification to a vehicle when it is fined. This could be the penalty notice itself, or a short description of the offence and notice that a fine will be sent to them.
The legislation will also require councils to take photos of offences – even if they use the traditional ‘ticketed’ method – and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers.
‘Repeat’ ticketless parking fines, a key concern of the existing system where drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement, will be eradicated.
The requirement to issue an on-the-spot notification will not apply to a limited number of parking zones, such as enclosed parking areas that use licence plate recognition technology, and in national parks with limited mobile phone connectivity.
“Drivers deserve better than the current system,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“Too many motorists have driven off with no idea they might be liable for a parking fine.
“This system was introduced by the former government without enough protections for drivers. We’re fixing that.”
Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos said the changes would make the system better.
“No one ever likes to get a parking fine, but the idea you only find out about a fine weeks later doesn’t pass the common sense test,” she said.
“Setting new, higher standards for parking fines, including rules about invalidating unfair fines, is the right thing to do and goes a long way to re-building community trust.”
NRMA Spokesperson Peter Khoury said the changes are the right move from the State Government.
“Motorists who abuse the limited public parking spaces available obviously deserve to be fined, however ticketless parking fines removed transparency and made it almost impossible for motorists to contest their fine if they felt they had a legitimate case,” he said.
“The Government’s announcement today can give the public confidence that enforcement will again be open and transparent and we encourage councils to work with the Government on implementing these measures.”
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.