Ballarat council ups parking cost, punishment

Announcing the change in a statement, council said metres would be updated to ask for more money in the coming weeks. 

Mayor Des Hudson defended the increases, saying they were fair. 

“I consider that Ballarat’s parking fees and penalties are very reasonable and they have a role to play in managing parking across the municipality,” he said. 

“Council is presently developing a new Ballarat CBD Parking Action Plan to provide safe, accessible and affordable parking where it is needed as the city’s population grows.” 

Street parking will increase by 20c, to $2 an hour. Council says it has not increased parking fees since 2014.

Drivers who do not or cannot buy a ticket will be slugged $65, although says in its statement fines were $50 before July 1, when they were actually $55. 

This is also the first increase since 2014. 

The most recent City of Ballarat annual report, covering 2014/15, said almost $5 million was collected in parking fines, fees and charges. 

The 2016/17 budget does not break down the expected revenue from parking. 

Council has recently been criticised for its metres not working and the tough process for those who get caught out, in a statement last month a spokesperson gave some advice on how to deal with it. 

“Where a meter is reported faulty but the advice doesn't reach the City of Ballarat’s parking officer before they issue an infringement, a short email/letter from the person is required and in that instance the infringement is usually withdrawn.” 

“We would not suggest that people pay a fine before their appeal is heard and determined.” 

“Our meter mechanic attends to faulty meter reports on the day they are reported and we update and replace meters based on need.”

“Council is committed to updating our meters as budget allows.”