$4.3 million expected from parking fines City to bank on fines

Andrew Mathieson
GEELONG’S council is anticipating raising $4.37 million from parking fines – or $11,972 a day – from offending motorists this financial year.
Fines in previous years have averaged a rise of $376,000 since 2002, but council’s predicting almost an extra $600,000 on last year.
The City of Greater Geelong is budgeting for the largest increase among Victoria’s 79 councils.
Melbourne City council that raises $42.6 million from infringements is expecting only a $350,000 jump.
The second-highest revenue raiser, Port Phillip council, has budgeted for a fall of nearly $200,000.
Neighbouring Golden Plains Shire is relying on reaping just $350 this year in fines, making the Bannockburn council one of the lowest parking revenue raisers in the state.
Parking fines in Geelong slumped last year after city officers issued 1053 fewer notices.
Revenue has steadily risen from $1.54 million in 2002/3 to $2.29 million in 2005/06, reaching $3.8 million by 2008/09.
The City wouldn’t reveal how it expects parking fines to further jump, except “these will be determined as part of the coming budget deliberations”.
A council spokesperson told the Independent the Department of Justice set parking fine levels and any increases were out of their hands.
The average infringement during the 2008/09 financial year was around $60 each.
“Based on the assessment of the previous year’s level of activities and compliance rates, council can reasonably predict the number of infringements expected over a 12-month period,” the spokesperson said.
“Each council business unit is responsible for managing its own budget, including forecasting and assessing any adjustments in revenue and/or expenditure.”
The Independent reported last year that an Auditor-General investigation had exposed council’s dodgy review systems, leaving motorists paying unnecessary fines.
The investigation criticised council for “poor records, inadequate procedures, failure to verify claims and inaccurate classifications”.
More than 11 per cent of fines were subject to review.