Compliance - Penalty Infringement Notices (Fines)
How long do I have to pay a (parking) fine?
If you have been issued with a penalty infringement notice (PIN) you have 21 days to finalise the matter and ensure no further action is taken against you.
Paying a (parking) fine
Payment must be made to the State Debt Recovery Office - NOT Council. Details are available on the reverse side of the parking infringement notice or you can phone 1300 130 112 or visit www.sdro.nsw.gov.au
Contesting a (parking) fine
If you feel you have been incorrectly penalised you can appeal to the State Debt Recovery Office (SDRO) which handles all matters of this nature for Council. You can elect to have the matter heard in court. The SDRO website has information on how to proceed to request a review or elect to have the matter heard in court.
- Important Information on Electing to have your matter heard in Court -
Plea of Guilty and Costs
If you attend Court and plead guilty, the Court will deal with the offence on the basis of evidence given by the Council in writing or orally. The Court may impose a fine or not proceed to record a conviction. In either case the prosecutor for the Council will seek an order for Court costs and Professional costs. These costs are at the discretion of the Court.
Plea of Not Guilty and Costs
If you plead not guilty and proceed to a defended hearing, the Court will decide the matter on evidence at the hearing. If the Court finds the offence proven, it may impose a fine or not proceed to record a conviction. In either case the prosecutor for the Council will seek an order for Court costs and Professional costs. These costs are at the discretion of the Court. Defendants should note that if you fail at a defended hearing, the professional costs sought will be higher than for a guilty plea.
What are Court Costs?
Court costs are the costs payable to the Court by Council for issue of the Court Attendance Notice.
What are Professional Costs?
These are costs payable by Council to its lawyers for preparation of cases and attendance at Court.
Further Compliance Information
