HomeCouncilParkingEnforcement of Parking Restrictions Policy

Enforcement of Parking Restrictions Policy

Since 2002, NSW Councils have been charged with the responsibility of enforcing parking legislation, such as the NSW Road Rules, in their local areas. While public safety is a primary concern, managing traffic flow and providing equitable access to available parking in high demand areas are major issues for many Councils.

When a decision is made to restrict parking in a particular area, the question of how the Council enforces that restriction inevitably arises. While enforcement is necessary to achieve the purpose of imposing the restriction, the enforcement strategies used by Council also need to be flexible and able to respond to different circumstances. A breach of a parking restriction need not lead to a penalty in every case. The power to issue a penalty must be tempered with a sense of fairness and practicality, not to mention common sense.

In 2008, the Department of Local Government (DLG) completed a review of parking enforcement by local Councils at the request of the then Minister for Local Government. The review identified a number of elements that are considered to be good practice. This policy addresses some of the issues identified by the DLG in its review.

Ultimately we are aiming for an enforcement approach which is impartial and consistent. We are also aiming for an approach which is easily reviewed to ensure it is being implemented fairly and professionally.

What is the aim of the Enforcement of Parking Restrictions Policy?

The Enforcement of Parking Restrictions Policy aims to promote sound practice in the way Council enforces parking restrictions by addressing the following issues:

• clarifying and promoting consistency in the procedures followed by Council Officers when issuing and reviewing penalty infringement notices for parking
• promoting impartiality and fairness in the enforcement process by adopting good governance and ethical conduct principles
• providing a source of information, easily accessible to the community which explains how parking restrictions are enforced including avenues for review of enforcement decisions