It’s a trap! Wollongong Councillor Dan Hayes thinks yellow lines to indicate no parking on street corners such as Bode Avenue should be replaced with signs. Photo: Google Maps.
Surprise fines may become a thing of the past for all but the most stubborn offenders.
A review into how data about fine hot spots across Wollongong is used with an eye to developing strategies to prevent people getting stung is in the works.
It could see identified hot spots targeted for preventative actions to reduce accidental offending.
The strategy could increase costs and reduce revenue for Wollongong City Council – however councillors voted for it anyway.
The proposal was put by councillor Dan Hayes.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, and that’s the prism I’ve been viewing our approach to compliance through,” he said.
“Fines have a legitimate role in compliance, whether it is dogs off leash or parking breaches, but we’re not one more fine away from getting compliance, especially when it comes to hot spots.
“We have masses of data about fines – where they’re given, how often and I’m not convinced we’re using that information to get better compliance.
“There will always be people who will ignore the rules but we have people getting caught out doing things they don’t know are wrong and if there’s something we can do about that I would like us to try.”
Cr Hayes suggested more signage could be one preventative strategy.
Councillor Jess Whittaker supported the push, but said she would like to explore ways to prevent offending that didn’t involve more signs.
She said it wasn’t the council’s responsibility to compensate for people who didn’t know the road rules.
“It’s a horrible feeling to get a fine,” she said.
“But understanding the road rules is part of having a licence, and it costs about $2000 to put up a new sign.
“We need people to understand the road rules so our footpaths and active transport corridors aren’t cluttered with expensive signs.”
Councillor Andrew Anthony said there were spots, such as the Collegians Sports Centre, that had specific rules or unusual signage that could catch out even the most well-intentioned drivers.
Councillor Richard Martin noted that he had not received a fine in 14 years as a Wollongong resident.
Councillor Ann Martin encouraged him to live a little.
“I have been the beneficiary of a couple of fines by the council and contributed to general revenue because I foolishly parked somewhere I shouldn’t have,” she said.
“If we can make it easier for people to educate themselves and do the right thing, I think that’s positive.”
