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 announced.
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.
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.
