Fines - We Don't Want Your Money

FACT FILE

Fines - We don't want your money

OVERVIEW

No one could ever be happy when they are fined. The reactions of people who have been fined are many and varied. The Shire’s reaction to fines is one of disappointment:
• Disappointment that our efforts to educate the community may be failing.
• Disappointment that some people can’t see the danger that they create and that people can be injured.
• Disappointment that some people will continue to say the Shire is simply collecting revenue.
• Disappointment that old myths prevail about quotas to be met and that Shire officers don’t care about your excuses.

IT'S TIME TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT

The Shire does not seek to raise revenue through fines. There are no quotas required of any enforcement officer. Rangers, Environmental Health Officers and Planning Enforcement Officers are employed to promote and monitor compliance with the law. Fines and other penalties are issued only as a last resort.

Let’s look at two examples: illegal parking near a school and the destruction of vegetation without the appropriate permit.

ILLEGAL PARKING NEAR A SCHOOL

Determining the mix of parking limits and no standing zones in the area around a school is a special challenge. Short-term timed parking is desirable to allow the quick drop off and pick up of children. No standing zones are required to ensure safe sight distance for both children and approaching vehicles. Motorists that occupy drop off and pick up areas for longer than the allotted time are not only being selfish but are also imposing extra burdens on other drivers and children. Illegal parking in ‘no standing zones’ reduces the sight distances for everyone in the area and this greatly increases the danger of an accident occurring. In addition this inconsiderate behaviour adds real costs to other motorists through increased congestion and frustration. The Shire’s goal is that all drivers park safely and share the limited available space by not overstaying.

End result: a safe environment for all school children and no fines.

DESTRUCTION OF VEGETATION WITHOUT AN APPROPRIATE PERMIT

Removing vegetation without a permit impacts directly on the environment and amenity of an area and can significantly impact on the character of a locality. In addition vegetation removal may result in increased erosion or dust nuisance. The costs associated with these impacts are borne by neighbours and the wider community. In some extreme examples the value of adjoining properties may be reduced as a result of illegal vegetation removal.

THE LAWS ARE THERE TO PROTECT YOU

In both the above examples laws have been formulated to guide and protect individuals and the wider public from the inconsiderate and greedy actions of others. Enforcement of these laws is not only necessary but expected by the community. Every effort is made through signage, community education materials and media articles to explain the purpose and value of these laws. When all else fails and offences are committed the issue of a fine might be the only effective means of getting the message through to those who are doing the wrong thing by the community.

Fines 20150204– EPACS– Obj ID A4329448