a day ago
Huge change to parking fines coming for millions of Australians: What you need to know
Ticketless parking fines are now officially banned in New South Wales.
The system was first introduced in 2020 under former Liberal Premier Gladys Berejiklian, with more than a third of the state's 128 councils reportedly adopting the measure.
However, in 2024, the Labor Government labelled ticketless parking fines as 'unfair' and took steps to overhaul the system, arguing that drivers were often fined without knowing, sometimes not receiving any notification until weeks after the offence.
From July 1, councils will be required to issue on-the-spot paper tickets for parking violations, replacing the ticketless system that had caused fines to surge by nearly 50 per cent shortly after it was introduced.
A physical ticket must be left on the vehicle, and a photo of the offence must be taken - unless it is unsafe for the officer to do so
NSW Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said community feedback strongly supported the change, calling the return to ticketed fines a fairer and more transparent approach.
'No one likes getting a parking fine. Finding out about it two weeks later stings even more,' she said.
'Bringing back on-the-spot notification for parking fines is a common-sense reform and restores fairness and integrity to the parking fine system.'
'Motorists will once again benefit from on-the-spot notifications. New requirements that motorists are provided with photos of the offence will assist them if they wish to object to a fine,' Ms Houssos said.
NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury praised the state government for sorting it out.
'Transparency matters. People deserve to know when and why they're being fined – and to have a fair chance to challenge if needed,' he said.
'The Government has worked through the issues, consulted widely, and come to an appropriate solution. Today is a great day for NSW motorists.'
