Drivers frustrated by move away from physical parking tickets in NSW
A change to the way parking tickets are issued in NSW is causing frustration among drivers.
Thirty-six councils across the state have opted to scrap physical parking tickets, which are stuck to vehicle windscreens, instead emailing the fines or posting them in the mail.
Concerns have been raised as it may take drivers up to a week or more to receive the fine in the mail, meaning drivers are less able to gather evidence to contest the fine.
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Some NSW councils move away from parking fine system. Nine
NRMA spokesman Peter Khoury said the new process was concerning as it took away the option of contesting a fine for some drivers.
He said the new system did not allow drivers to be able to check and prove why they may have overstayed in a parking spot as they are not able to take photos or gather evidence at the time they were fined.
"The physical fine on the windshield has worked well for many years," Khoury said.
"It enables drivers to check the location and get a sense of whether or not they believe they have done the wrong thing."
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NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said the new parking fine system took away transparency. Nine
A North Sydney Council spokesperson said the system significantly reduced "the level of confrontation and aggression" parking officers experienced.
"The State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO), which is part of Revenue NSW, offers a service to send out parking fines on behalf of NSW Councils," the spokesperson said.
"Council has a high-quality assurance process for issuing fines that includes five photos being taken when the fine is issued.
"Our agreement with the SDRO is that they will mail out the parking infringement notices, however, customers may choose to be notified of parking fines via the Services NSW app.
"We have only had a couple of customers raise concerns about not receiving a paper ticket at the time it was issued."
A City of Sydney council spokesperson said it also used a Revenue NSW service.
"The email notification system provides motorists with more information about the infringement, including photographs, as well as follow-up actions available," the spokesperson said.
"It ensures the motorists are notified even if tickets go missing or are damaged by weather."
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