Figures released by the City of Ryde show that Parking Infringements issued in the local area have decreased.
Between July 2008 and February 2009, 1,008 fewer parking fines were issued (a 5.87% decrease), compared to the same time the previous year.
The total cost of penalties increased 30% from $1.73m to $2.27m following the NSW Government’s “Around Schools Penalty” increases of between
60% - 77%.
City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Vic Tagg said misinformation was circulating in the community that Rangers were paid on a quota system. “Our Rangers are professionally trained to carry out a difficult and challenging job. They are paid a salary in line with the State Award agreed with the United Services Union, with no quotas for parking infringements issued attached to their pay level.”
“Rangers are there for a reason and that is to guarantee community safety, focusing on child safety around schools (a high priority of the State Government and the City of Ryde), pedestrian safety in town centres, and to ensure that local business can operate effectively by keeping traffic moving in congested areas,” he said.
The Mayor added: “Council recognises the challenges of making our town centres successful where the roads struggle to cope with pedestrian and vehicular traffic. We have to strike a workable balance so that shoppers, businesses and pedestrians can all go about their daily chores safely.“
Rangers issue many warnings a day, and it is estimated that the ‘move on or be fined’ strategy is used more often than the number of Parking Infringements issues.
It is also unreasonable of people to expect Rangers to know the circumstances around why people choose to park illegally or unsafely or on the spur of the moment. Council Rangers are just enforcing the laws passed by the NSW Government.
In a worrying trend, City of Ryde Rangers have reported an increase in the severity and number of assaults on staff in recent months. The NSW Police have responded to Council’s reporting of assaults on Rangers by successfully prosecuting two matters in the past six months.
Councillor Tagg said: “It is unacceptable that staff should be intimidated and threatened for the enforcement of Government legislation. Our role is to ensure public safety through enforcement. If that is not carried out correctly, or one section of the community is exempted, then not only would this create inequities and unfair outcomes, but Council could be prosecuted.”
Clr Vic Tagg the Mayor of Ryde called upon members of the community to give the Rangers a fair go and show them the respect they deserve as individuals.
City of Ryde Rangers are responsible for much more than parking enforcement :
- Parking
- Illegal dumping
- Noise complaints
- Littering/clean up notices
- Abandoned vehicles and shopping trolleys
- Heavy vehicles enforcement – insecure loads, light traffic roads.
- Companion animals – lost dog recovery, ID, registration, restricted/dangerous breeds, free microchipping for cats & dogs. Volunteers to schools Spot program – educate kids on bite prevention and animal welfare/care. Over 3,000 local primary schools children at 6 schools have received this program in 2007/08.
- Public nuisance (spruikers)
- Non approved developments
- Non approved activities
- Unsafe fencing, goods on footpaths, obstructions on footpaths
Media contact: Lee Kirkland, City of Ryde, T 9952 8083
