On Tuesday night, Shoalhaven Councillors voted to ease the sting of parking fines issued in the local government area.
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Council will reduce the cost of three of its parking fines by 25 per cent, from $112 to $84.
Fines for overtime carparking, overtime street parking and not standing vehicle within marked space have been lowered, contrary to council's initial stance on the matter.
The decision is expected to cost council $55,000-$57,0000 in lost income per year.
The matter was settled at the February council meeting, when a majority of councillors voted to delay a decision on a fine reduction. Determined to see the financial burden eased on local residents, Councillors Andrew Guile, Mitchell Pakes and Greg Watson lodged a rescission motion.
On Tuesday, when the matter was brought up again, some councillors including Patricia White and John Wells had a change of heart.
Cr Wells was happy to reduce fines, ascertaining from director Phil Costello that the $57,000 hit would not result in council's compliance department running at a loss.
"This is not to encourage overstaying," Cr Guile said.
"It's for those poor unfortunates who overstay
"Which of our residents don't deserve a little bit of relief?"
Councillor Amanda Findley said in the current political climate where state government was cost-shifting to local governments she would not accept the state government's directive to reduce fines.
Councillor Joanna Gash was also opposed to the reduction, pointing out how frustrating it was to see motorists park in two car spaces instead of one.
In the council minutes, general manager Russ Pigg had noted Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council and Kiama Municipal Council will not be reducing parking fees.
FOR: Crs Guile, John Wells, Patricia White, Mitchell Pakes, Mark Kitchener, Greg Watson, Bob Proudfoot.
AGAINST: Crs Gash, Findley, Annette Alldrick, Nina Digiglio, Kaye Gartner, John Levett