Tamworth parking fines: 850 fines handed out in six months as Ross Briggs reminds drivers to do the right thing

Twice a week school zones have to be patrolled by rangers because drivers continue to do the wrong thing, Tamworth Regional Council regulatory services manager Ross Briggs said.

"We try to make sure particularly at the start of the school year, or the term, that parents are switched-on and realise where they can and can't park around the schools to make it as safe as possible for the kids," he said.

"This year it seems to be that they are continuing to do the same thing week-in, week-out.

"We've had one lady who has been booked for several weeks for the same thing; the same school and same problem.

"The fines are around the $400 to $500 mark, so they aren't small fines."

Council data shows that 206 school patrols were undertaken from July to December, with 26 infringements issued.

When it came to parking problems, it appears the streets around Baiada's poultry processing plant became an area of contention for rangers.

Mostly In Street, Out Street, Bridge Street around Baiada and the airport carparks have been identified as hot spots, Mr Briggs said.

"We get quite a few complaints in there from businesses neighbouring Baiada because it's such a busy area with such a high workforce on shift programs," he said.

"There are a lot of issues to do with no parking spaces for other business' customers, so we focus on that to make sure there's a turnover for parking and driveways aren't getting blocked."

The council has two full-time parking rangers on staff and another four casuals.

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The EasyPark app can be used to pay for motorists who get stuck in the timed areas, Mr Briggs said.

"If there's a time limit, set yourself a timer," he said.

"Be aware the parking rangers are just there to do their job.

"They are there to enforce the parking regulations and make sure there's enough turnover that people have the opportunity to park where they need to park.

"So don't take it out on them."

There were 67 abandoned vehicles reported to the council in six months, 74 per cent of those were dealt with in under 14 days.

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