Motorists parking illegally in restricted areas, loading zones, disabled parking areas, longer than directed or illegal overnight camping may soon face steeper fines after Noosa Council on Monday voted to amend a local law to increase parking infringement penalties.
The largest fine increase, for stopping in a disabled parking area, will rise from two to four penalty units (with each penalty unit $166.90), incurring a fine of $667.60.
Stopping in loading zones may cost motorists an increased fine from $125.75 to $166.90 and overstaying the parking limit may cost a motorist a fine of $125.75, up from $83.45.
The increases in infringement charges come after complaints to council of illegally parked cars and a 21-day period of public consultation earlier this year during which council received 58 submissions, 38 of which were considered properly made, and regarded overall as positive to the amendment.
“Feedback revealed community support for the proposed amendments, particularly in relation to discouraging overstaying, misuse of disability spaces, and illegal overnight camping. However, some concerns were raised regarding Council’s enforcement capacity, cost-of-living impacts, and the perceived revenue-raising nature of the changes,” a council officer told Monday’s meeting.
When asked about council’s capacity to enforce parking measures the officer said council’s use of local intel and new technology including AI cameras and council’s ‘parking car’ which monitors parking compliance had been beneficial tools in keeping a check on particular zones and problem areas.
He said they communicated closely with Queensland Police Service, and had worked together to undertake compliance actions on illegal camping.
In response to questions on cost of living expenses the officer said it was important to identify these fee changes were not the same as increased utility charges. “They don’t apply to every motorist across shire, these apply to people who are in fringe,” he said.
“I’m not saying there’s not an impact, but it’s not the same as a charge that everyone bears in the community.”
There is an appeal process where people who are aggrieved can set out reasons why they think they shouldn’t be infringed, he said.
Council’s Local Laws officers undertake regular patrols to monitor compliance with parking restrictions across Noosa, generally concentrating on high risk and congested areas and in response to specific complaints, according to council’s website
If the officers identify a non-compliance depending on the situation a caution notice or penalty infringement notice will be isued. This usually occurs where the driver is present and has made a simple error which poses little or no risk. In other situations the officer will record the offence and issue a penalty infringement notice.
Council’s adoption of number plate recognition technology allows highly accurate images and records which confirm parking offences.
A copy of the image and the information is provided on the Penalty Infringement Notice issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
A final decision on parking fine increases will be made at council’s ordinary meeting on Thursday.
