Griffith City Council has commenced the issuing of Parking Fine Notification Cards, ahead of the NSW Government’s plans to reform the state’s ticketless parking fine system to ensure drivers receive on-the-spot notifications for parking fines.
The Council says that the cards will be used in situations where it is practical and safe to do so and will inform vehicle occupants that a parking violation has occurred.
Council transitioned from the ‘docket system’ to the more efficient and sustainable Print and Post system three years ago. However, Revenue NSW identified several issues with the docket system process process that required attention.
Announcing the proposed reform legislation last week, NSW Premier, Chris Minns said the changes will improve fairness and transparency for drivers.
“Drivers deserve better than the current system,” said Premier Minns.
“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.”
Councils issued 822,310 ticketless parking fines in 2023/24, up 49% from 551,441 issued in 2022/23.
The legislation to be introduced by the NSW Government will:
- Require councils to attach an on-the-spot notification to a vehicle. This could be the penalty notice itself, or a short description of the offence and notice that a fine will be sent to them.
- 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. The photos must include images of the vehicle, relevant signage and the physical notice left on the vehicle. This will streamline the review process for any challenged fines.
- Limit the circumstances where an on-the-spot notification is not required to be left by a parking officer, for example, where it is hazardous or unsafe for them to do so.
- Invalidate ‘repeat’ ticketless parking fines, addressing a key concern of the existing system, that drivers can be fined multiple times for the same offence before they even become aware of the first infringement.
- Introduce data reporting rules to monitor the implementation of the legislation and evaluate if any future reforms are necessary.
