The Orange City Council reported the issuance of over 1,000 parking fines following the installation of new plate-tracking technology. Between July 1 and September 30, 2023, a total of **1,095 fines** were recorded, with only four deemed invalid. This significant uptick in fines highlights the effectiveness of the council’s new monitoring measures aimed at ensuring compliance with parking regulations.
According to data released by **NSW Revenue**, Orange’s total revenue from parking fines for the year exceeded **$770,000**, with a total of **3,875 fines** issued. While the council did not respond to inquiries regarding specific revenue generated from these fines, calculations based on the quarterly data suggest an estimated income of **$613,200** for 2025, assuming the average fine of **$140** remains constant.
Impact of Parking Regulations and Technology
Parking fines in New South Wales vary significantly, ranging from **$112** for minor violations to **$644** for serious breaches, such as parking in a disabled spot without a permit. Starting September 2025, all councils in New South Wales will be required to publish quarterly breakdowns of fines issued, enhancing transparency in enforcement practices.
The council confirmed that **licence plate recognition technology** will be implemented full-time from October 2025. This technology was previously trialed on various streets including **Summer Street**, **Anson Street**, **Byng Street**, **Lords Place**, and **Kite Street** to target vehicles exceeding parking limits. The council employs parking officers who patrol the streets to enforce local regulations and collaborates with **Revenue NSW** to manage fine payments and disputes.
The council’s website describes its parking regulations as necessary for “sharing available parking spaces fairly among all drivers,” aiming to ensure that retail and business areas remain accessible to all.
Cr **Mel McDonell**, chairperson of the Planning and Development Policy Committee, acknowledged that local businesses have raised concerns regarding compliance with parking time limits. “No one likes parking time limits, and they like parking tickets even less,” she stated. “But they play an important role in making the CBD work and ensuring equitable access to the businesses there.”
Future Developments and Ongoing Initiatives
The council is committed to refining its parking policies in response to community feedback. Cr McDonell emphasized that while parking fines can be perceived as revenue generation, the council would prefer to see revenue decline if it results from improved compliance with parking regulations.
As an interim measure, the **Ophir car park** currently offers free parking until Christmas, providing residents and visitors with an opportunity to access the area without incurring fines. This initiative reflects the council’s ongoing efforts to balance regulatory enforcement with community needs, fostering an environment where both businesses and drivers can thrive.
