Tamworth fines: drivers cough up a quarter-of-a-million bucks in fines

Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) annual financial statements reveal fines put an extra $44,000 in the coffers compared to 2020.

A spokeswoman for the council said the increased income is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The total of parking fees Council collected in 2020-21 is more than the previous year because of the considerable number of months in the prior financial year where council stopped operating parking meters in the Tamworth CBD during the long initial lockdown of the pandemic," she said.

"The 2020-21 results are closer to the 'normal' level of income from parking meters council receives."

The $249,000 comes to council from the Office of State Revenue and can come from a number of different types of infringements.

The money naughty drivers hand over is then used to maintain and improve existing parking areas and facilities, as well as fund new carparks.

Cash from parking meters goes into the same reserve.

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Fines dished out for environmental, health, pollution or animal-related offences goes into the general fund, which is used to provide services to the community.

In March, council data revealed 850 fines had been handed out in just six months and twice-weekly patrols had to be put in place at school zones because of drivers who continued to park in the wrong place.

While the council budgeted for $2.5 million in income from all revenue streams, it only returned $2.2 million due to events being cancelled and a slight downturn in parking meter revenue while they were switched off.

Council also earned $350,000 in parking fees, which it uses to fund new carparks and infrastructure in the city.

The EasyPark app can be used for motorists who get stuck in the timed areas.

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