GETTING a fine for not parking correctly at the Milton Showground is the last thing a man, who is relatively new to the area, expected.
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The man went to the markets at the Milton Showground recently and was hit with a $80 parking fine.
"I am annoyed," the man said.
It's the unfairness and questionable reasoning of the regulation, rather than having to pay a fine, that has upset him the most.
He said the signage outlining the parking requirements is faded and added making people reverse in is unsafe - particularly when you are leaving the showground.
"The angle you are meant to park in goes against the flow of traffic," he said.
He was not the only person fined on the day and a warning even went out on Facebook.
"If you gave a parked car along the fence it must be reversed in - ranger booking cars now," the warning read.
Shoalhaven City Council said the parking regulation was there for a reason.
"There is significant foot and road traffic associated with events at Milton Showground and Council officers deem the parking signage at the Showground is clear and legible," a council spokesperson said.
"By parking appropriately, motorists can help limit the potential danger to pedestrians and avoid traffic congestion. Rear to kerb parking is considered safer as a driver exiting a parking space has a relatively good view of pedestrians and of approaching traffic and cyclists.
"Additionally, people alighting from rear to kerb vehicles, such as children, are directed by the angle of the doors towards the safety afforded to the rear of the parked vehicle rather than being directed into the road."
State Legislation requires council to be responsible for parking management and control to improve road safety.
The 45 degree rear to kerb parking restrictions along the Croobyar Road frontage of Milton Showground was approved by Council in 2003.
The spokesperson explained why parking fines existed.
"Parking fines exist to ensure our roads and streets are safe for road users and pedestrians," the council spokesperson said.
"Council encourages all road users to adhere to the road rules and parking restrictions.
"Council Rangers proactively patrol the Shoalhaven to deter and detect unauthorised and illegal activities focused on road safety and the protection of the environment."
The spokesperson added council does not get to keep all the money from the fines.
"Once a penalty notice has been issued, representation is to be made directly to Revenue NSW who administers all penalty notices for the State of New South Wales and has provisions to adjudicate on representations," the spokesperson added.
"Revenue NSW receives a percentage for the administration of each penalty notice.
"All remaining revenue is transferred into Council's internal revenue to deliver the services and infrastructure outlined in Council's budget.
"Each year Council advertises the draft budget to actively seek community input before it is adopted."
