PARKING fines are set to almost double under proposed changes to the City of Kalamunda’s local laws.
In a report to be considered by council, City staff said while the proposed penalties were almost double the amount previously prescribed, in most instances they are still 50 to 80 per cent below most other Western Australian local governments.
“The new local law is intended to result in a more modern local law dealing with parking in the City, improved safety and adjustments to prescribed infringement to be more in line with adjoining local governments,” the report said.
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READ NOW“It will improve visual amenity by regulating the owners of vehicles who park on the verge for extended periods and will improve customer access to small businesses by making it easier for the City to ensure street parking is more accessible.”
Under the proposed changes, failing to obtain and display a parking ticket and failing to park properly in a bay will rise from $45 to $80 per offence.
Motorists also face fines of $100 for parking on a footpath.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services raised concerns with the City regarding hikers driving to reserves and parking across access points blocking access to the fire trails in reserves and bush land.
The City has adopted the recommendation by DFES to amend the local parking laws to make it an offence to obstruct an access to a path or driveway.
Under the Local Government Act 1995 local laws must be reviewed every eight years.
The matter will be discussed at a special council meeting on January 22.