By Juliano Oliveira
The number of car parking tickets issued in Warwick over the first half of 2021 was121 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) distributed 51 fines between January and June of this year, with most infringements occurring in the CBD area. In 2020, there were 23 violations, while in 2019 there were 36 in the same period.
“Between 2019 and 2020, there was a decrease in parking fines due to limited activity in the CBD as a result of COVID-19 restrictions as well as a shift in focus from parking regulation to monitoring water restrictions compliance during the drought,” the council said.
Warwick CBD is the only regulated parking area within the Southern Downs Region. Four streets encompass the controlled zone: Palmerin Street (both sides between Percy Street and Albert Street / Eastern side only between Albert and Victoria Street); King Street (both sides between Palmerin Street and Albion Street); Grafton Street (both sides between Guy Street and Albion Street); and Fitzroy Street (both sides between Guy Street and Albion Street).
“The CBD is patrolled on a regular basis. Council’s Local Laws officers can and do respond if complaints are received in other towns within the Southern Downs or other areas within Warwick, but complaints are extremely rare,” SDRC informed.
“Council has one dedicated Local Laws officer who undertakes regular patrols on weekdays. However, all Council’s Local Laws officers are authorised to issue parking infringements.”
Parking signs scattered around the CBD vary from 30 minutes to two hours for permission.
Drivers have 28 days from the date of the notice to pay the amount incurred. Payments can be made online (www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/payments—services/online-payments), over the phone (1300 697 372) with a credit card or in person at one of Council’s offices (64 Fitzroy Street, Warwick).
