Bathurst parking fines down significantly after council's conservative approach

That is around 12 per cent of the number of people fined in the 2019-20 financial year for infringements.

It's common for council to fine in excess of 200 people per month, but the last time that kind of figure was seen was in March, 2020, the same month the pandemic really took hold in Australia.

READ MORE: Bathurst motorists receiving less parking fines during pandemic

Fines remained in the double digits through to November, but then in December the number of fines issued was just nine.

There was a spike in February and March, when life was returning to normal, seeing 15 and 38 fines handed out respectively.

Council announced in April that it would gradually increase enforcement again, after months of overlooking minor infringements, but that was short-lived.

There were nine fines handed out in April, seven in May and just four in June.

The new 2021-22 financial year has also started off slow, with nine fines handed out.

Council's director of Environmental, Planning and Building Services, Neil Southorn, said that parking rangers have adopted the conservative approach again in response to lockdowns.

"In April of this year, council rangers escalated enforcement practice to ensure fair and equitable access to parking for all members of the community," he said.

"Council's parking enforcement procedures continues to adapt to local COVID restrictions, and a conservative approach is in place whilst severe lockdown restrictions are in place.

"This will be reviewed on a continuous basis. Fines will still apply where public safety is compromised, such as parking in a no stopping area, and for those parking in a disabled parking space without a permit."

Mr Southorn said the reduction in fines will have a "minor impact" on council's finances.

In the 2019-20 financial year, the 2279 fines handed out had a value of $421,581. Last financial year, the value of the 282 fines issued was $89,669.

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