A spokesperson for the City of Sydney defended its high figures. They said most fines were issued in the CBD, Surry Hills and Darlinghurst areas, where parking was scarce.

“Where parking is allowed, demand often exceeds supply, so we introduce and enforce charges or time restrictions to encourage fair turnover of spaces,” they said.

“In quieter or more suburban areas, there is more room for parking and less need to enforce turnover of available parking spots.”

The most common offences in Canterbury-Bankstown were parking in no-stopping zones, exceeding time limits, and using disabled spots without permits. Offences related to the mobility parking scheme attract the highest penalties, of up to $818.

A Canterbury-Bankstown spokesperson said fines were particularly common in retail precincts.

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There were more ticketless parking fines issued across the Sydney region than physical ones during the time period.

A 49 per cent rise in ticketless fines last year prompted NSW parliament to pass amendments that will require rangers to attach physical tickets to vehicles unless they pose a potential hazard.

Drivers must also receive photographic proof of the violation and should not receive numerous fines for the same offence without their knowledge.

The new rules are yet to come into effect.

“The government is still in the process of updating the accompanying regulations that specify in what form notices should be provided,” the City of Sydney spokesperson said.

Sydney’s local councils have accrued $83 million in fines since July, an almost 10 per cent increase on the same period last year.

Finance Minister Courtney Houssos said the government was working with councils and other stakeholders to implement the reforms “in a responsible and measured way” in 2025.

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