Ten minute grace period for parking fines will be given to motorists who pay for at least one hour of parking. 

This will apply from 31 January 2019 for physical ticketed and coupon parking. Meters that do not issue parking tickets will not be eligible. 

In addition, the grace period will also not apply for private car parks, and parking under control signs such as bus lane, transit lane, no stopping, clearway, loading zone, bus zone, mail zone, and special events parking. This is to avoid impacts on safety and congestion on roads. 

“This is a common sense approach which means people won’t get a fine for being five minutes late, have their day ruined, and have the weekly budget compromised,” Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said. 

“We are hopeful this will also reduce the stress and pressure on parking inspectors as it will give some leniency in the issuing of fines,” Mr Perrottet added. 

Further, from 1 March 2019, councils will be given the flexibility to lower their common parking fines. 

The most common level 2 parking fines may be reduced from $112 to $80. 

This has already been applied this year in June by the NSW Government in areas such as the Sydney Olympic Park, Centennial Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Parramatta Park. 

“Councils need to stop using parking fines as an excuse to get a sugar hit and look at ways they can save ratepayers’ money rather than hit them in the hip pocket,” Mr Perrottet said.