FAQs - Proposed changes to penalty unit amounts for certain minor parking offences

A penalty unit is used to determine the value of fines for offences under Queensland State legislation and local laws. Penalty units are reviewed yearly by the Queensland Government. As of 1 July 2024, the value of a penalty unit is $161.30 and is then rounded down for penalty amounts. 

For example, where an offence is listed as having a fine of 1 penalty unit, this is equal to $161 (rounded down from $161.30).

Parking fines are used as a deterrent for dangerous parking behaviours that can put others at risk, and to ensure people have access to parking in areas of high use. Dangerous parking behaviours include activities such as parking in a way that blocks the path of other vehicles or pedestrians, preventing access by parking across a driveway or parking contrary to signage. 

In areas where there is a high demand for parking, Council aims to regulate parking spaces so that they are available for as many people as possible. This can include use of timed parking and parking meters to limit the time people park in spaces, so that others can also use the space. Where people ignore these rules, parking fines act as a deterrent for further offences. 

Council periodically reviews parking offence penalty amounts to ensure they are: 

• comparable with other local governments
• sufficient to be an adequate deterrent for illegal parking 
• higher for offences considered to have a greater community safety risk.

Council’s latest review of parking fines aims to align parking offences with similar levels of associated safety risks to the community. A review of high-risk parking offences was undertaken which identified 3 offences recommended for proposed amendment. A reduction of penalty unit amount for two offences and an increase in one offence.

Money from parking fines is included with other revenue such as rates and fees into Council’s general fund.

You can appeal a fine if: 

• you believe your parking fine was issued in error 
• there are exceptional circumstances 
• you were issued an infringement as you are the registered owner of the vehicle, but someone else was responsible for the offence 

If you want to appeal a parking fine, you must lodge the appeal on the correct form, before paying the fine and before the due date of the payment. Please see Council’s website for more information. 

If you are unable to pay your fine, you can contact Council for more information on options for payment such as payment plans.