Parking Fines – A Great Source of Revenue
The local Fairfield newspaper, Fairfield Advance, ran a story on the net revenue the council was making in the year 2005/06, ranking it as the ninth-biggest parking fine collector in NSW. According to figures, motorists were paying more than $2.5 million in parking infringements which is a 60.92 per cent rise in a year compared to the $1.6 million in 2004/05.
The Mayor, Nick Lalich diverted the rise, comparing it with the 2003/04 figures which were about $2.3 million, which made the 2005/06 rise only a small increase. So why the drop during 2004/05?
“The reason the figure for 2004/2005 was lower is partly because during that period there were staff vacancies,” said Lalich.
Parking fine revenue does seem to be a juicy method of gaining revenue for councils. Applying it back to the case of Fairfield council, it really does draw a connection between why the problem with lack of parking, especially around Cabramatta, has been ignored for so long.
For Comparison's Sake
I stumbled across this blog. He had gathered some fascinating statistics regarding quirky Council fines:
‘$1,200 fine letting your dog foul the footpath (Brisbane Council), $1,100 fine for spitting on the footpath (Fairfield Council NSW), $375 for putting up a poster and only $60 fine for putting lives at risk by blocking the footpath (Brisbane Council).’
It seems that dog poo, posters and spit are worth more than someone’s life indeed.
Also, if you do feel like breaking the law, speeding is now a cheaper alternative compared to spitting. It’s now on special, from $130 down to $77!
Vox-popping Around
I also went around vox-popping people on the street around Fairfield and Cabramatta CBD about their opinions on the council's ban on spitting. I was quite surprised that many people thought it was a great idea and not many people voiced concerns on the hefty fine. I wonder what they will come up with next though - anti-farting laws?
"It's a disgusting habit for low lifes - thumbs up. Hopefully other councils will go for it too!" - Dave
"Great to hear! I see it all the time. It's filthy." Emily
"Singapore brought it in heaps long ago. We're a bit slow over here. It's about time people realised that it's socially unacceptable behaviour." Truong
"I reckon they should be paying attention to bigger things rather than spitting." Ian
"This is the council trying to regulate social behaviour. If I want to spit, I'll spit. If I want to fart, I'll fart. Councils should keep their hands out of teaching us manners." Johnny
"I hope other councils do the same. It's bloody disgusting, I hate seeing it around here so hopefully the fines will stop it for good." Michael
"Wow, sounds good - but how are they going to catch you?" Mai
"I think instead of the fine, they should try to change people's attitudes in other ways. Maybe through educational programs which teach people about the bad effects of it. The fine's not necessary." Van
It's Not About Revenue!
Interestingly enough, despite the penalty of spitting being in the triple 0’s denominations, Fairfield Council has defended its imposition. Apparently it’s nothing about raising revenue or anything preposterous like that. In an interview with the ABC News Online, Khoshaba emphasised that the trial is about education and not the fine.
“It’s not about increasing revenue or anything like that,” he said.
“It’s just about creating the awareness for people to understand that it’s not acceptable, it’s not tolerated and hopefully they’ll just stop it.”
In another interview with The Daily Telegraph, he again reiterated the focus was on education of people to rid of the “filthy habit”.
Khoshaba said: “This has always been about educating residents, not just about the fines. But community enforcement officers will have the right to issue on-the-spot fines.”
Khoshaba and the new stencils - Image courtesy of The Daily Telegraph.
If it really is only about education, then why the huge $1,100 penalty? If it's really only about educating people, shouldn't there be campaigns being introduced to teach people on the detrimental effects of spitting in public? To me, fhe fine is just a vain hope that it will be a successful form of sdeterrent instead of actually creating awareness and understanding from the bad habits which the council wishes to curb.
Also, there seems to be inconsistency between "ordinary" people and the sports stars. I don’t often watch sports but when I do, I seem to notice that many players like to spit on the fields. Should they too be banned just like Fairfield residents?
New Parking Plans
It’s what everyone wants to hear – Fairfield Council is finally listening. They’ve announced on their media release plans to upgrade parking facilities in Cabramatta CBD. I noticed new traffic lights the other day. Things are starting to light up in that department.
There will now be $2.8 million being invested in urban development for the car park and various projects in the surrounding streets because: "Council has been listening to community concern over the issue of car parking in the Cabramatta Town Centre. As a result, we have dedicated a significant amount of funding towards car parking improvement projects," says Mayor of Fairfield City, Nick Lalich.
The infamous carpark is finally getting revamped.
I guess all the controversy and publicity surrounding the whole White and racial vilification and protesting and community anger was a blessing in disguise because at least it got some issues out into the open.
