The man who brought Sydney to a standstill by illegally climbing onto the Harbour Bridge remains in hospital, with police saying he is not yet fit to be charged.
NSW Police on Thursday said the man was still undergoing treatment at St Vincent's Hospital after Wednesday's five-hour bridge drama.
The 43-year-old sparked a major police operation at 4.30am after riding a bike onto the bridge then climbing up the structure.
Police say his action was over a "family issue" and that he suffered "significant mental health issues".
The Woolloomooloo man, known to police, surrendered to authorities just after 9.30am, when he was handcuffed and brought down to the ground before being taken to hospital where he remains.
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Superintendent Michael Fitzgerald said the man faces "significant charges".
NSW Roads Minister Melinda Pavey labelled the climb a "premeditated event" and is considering tripling the current $3000 penalty for trespassing on the structure.
The $10,000 fine for illegally climbing San Francisco's famous Golden Gate bridge was a "good starting point", Ms Pavey suggested.
With several northbound traffic lanes closed during the peak hour emergency, cars were backed up 20 kilometres from the bridge as negotiators talked with the man.
Climbing the Harbour Bridge is allowed as part of an official Bridge Climb Sydney tour.
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