Local Law Amendment - Changes to Penalty Units for Minor Traffic Offences

Consultation has concluded

Redland City Council’s (Council) local laws undergo a continual review process to provide the best outcomes for the community and Council.

At the 21 June 2023 General Meeting, Council resolved to commence the local law-making process for Subordinate Local Law No 5 (Parking) 2015 and make proposed changes to the penalty units for minor traffic offences.

Fines for some offences in Queensland are based on a system of penalty units. A penalty unit is a set amount of money used to work out each fine. The fine is calculated by multiplying the value of one penalty unit by the number of penalty units set for that offence. The penalty unit value in Queensland is $154.80 (current from 1 July 2023).

Safety-related offences, particularly those related to parking and stopping violations, are a significant concern for both pedestrians and motorists. These violations can pose serious risks to the safety of pedestrians, particularly children, who are often less visible and less predictable than adult pedestrians. For example, stopping on yellow lines or on pedestrian crossings can obstruct the view of drivers and pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents. It is essential that drivers respect pedestrian crossings and avoid stopping in or near these areas to ensure the safety of all road users.

One effective way to reduce safety-related parking and stopping offences is to increase penalties for these violations. A higher penalty will act as a deterrent and discourage people from committing these offences.

By increasing penalties for safety-related parking and stopping offences, Council can promote safer and more accessible roads for all, particularly vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and children.

Council has agreed to a 21-day engagement period to inform the community of the change to the local law.

The engagement period commenced on 26 June 2023 and concluded on 17 July 2023.

Redland City Council’s (Council) local laws undergo a continual review process to provide the best outcomes for the community and Council.

Council has agreed to a 21-day engagement period to inform the community of the change to the local law.

The engagement period commenced on 26 June 2023 and concluded on 17 July 2023.

Consultation has concluded

Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment

Share Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment on Facebook Share Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment on Twitter Share Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment on Linkedin Email Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment link

Between Monday 26 June and Monday 17 July 2023, Council undertook public consultation on a proposed amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015, which would increase the penalty units for minor traffic offences.
Council received 6 submissions during the engagement period.
At the General Meeting on Wednesday 16 August 2023, Council resolved to not proceed with this proposed amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015.
Between Monday 26 June and Monday 17 July 2023, Council undertook public consultation on a proposed amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015, which would increase the penalty units for minor traffic offences.
Council received 6 submissions during the engagement period.
At the General Meeting on Wednesday 16 August 2023, Council resolved to not proceed with this proposed amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015.
Consultation has concluded
Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences

Share Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences on Facebook Share Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences on Twitter Share Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences on Linkedin Email Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences link

Redland City Council is proposing to increase the penalties for minor stopping offences as a means of improving public safety.
The minor safety-related offences impacted by the increase include stopping in no stopping areas or bus zones, on or near pedestrian crossings and stopping to obstruct traffic.
The higher penalties, which will require an amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015, aim to act as a deterrent and discourage people from committing these safety-related offences.
Council resolved at the General Meeting on 21 June 2023 to proceed with community consultation on the proposed amendments to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015.
Information on the proposed changes to the penalty units, including how to make a submission, will be available from Monday 26 June 2023 until 17 July 2023 on the project’s Your Say webpage and in Council’s Customer Service Centres at Capalaba, Cleveland and Victoria Point.
Redland City Council is proposing to increase the penalties for minor stopping offences as a means of improving public safety.
The minor safety-related offences impacted by the increase include stopping in no stopping areas or bus zones, on or near pedestrian crossings and stopping to obstruct traffic.
The higher penalties, which will require an amendment to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015, aim to act as a deterrent and discourage people from committing these safety-related offences.
Council resolved at the General Meeting on 21 June 2023 to proceed with community consultation on the proposed amendments to Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015.
Information on the proposed changes to the penalty units, including how to make a submission, will be available from Monday 26 June 2023 until 17 July 2023 on the project’s Your Say webpage and in Council’s Customer Service Centres at Capalaba, Cleveland and Victoria Point.
Consultation has concluded

Proposed amendments 2023

Listed below are tables that identify the offences which relate to deterring safety-related parking and stopping violations.

Table 1 provides benchmarking information against some other local governments within South East Queensland, while Table 2 provides details concerning the proposed penalty unit increase for the listed offences.

Table 1. Benchmarking

Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Road Rules) Regulation 2009 provision	Minor Traffic Offence	Redlands Current Penalty	Logan City Council	Brisbane City Council	Moreton Bay Council	Sunshine Coast Council
167	Stopping at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
170(1)	Stopping in an intersection	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
171	Stopping on a children's crossing or on the road within 20m before the crossing or 10 after the crossing	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
172(1)	Stopping on a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection or on a road within 20m before a crossing and 10m after the crossing otherwise than as permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
173	Stopping on a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection, or on a road within 10m before the traffic lights pole nearest to the driver at the crossing and 3m after the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
175	Stopping on a level crossing, or on a road within 20m, before the nearest rail or track to the driver approaching the crossing and 20m after the nearest rail or track to the driver leaving the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	1.5 Penalty Units
176(1)	Stopping on a road contrary to a clearway sign	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	3 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
179(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a loading zone	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	0.7 Penalty Unit	0.75 Penalty Units
181	Unauthorised driver stopping in a works zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
182(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a taxi zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
183(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a bus zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
183(1)	Stopping a bus in a bus zone contrary to a bus zone sign	1 Penalty Unit
185(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a permit zone	1.4 Penalty Units	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
186(1)	Stopping in a mail zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	1 penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty Units
189(1)(a)	Stopping on a two way road between the centre of the road and another vehicle parked at the side of the road	1 Penalty Unit	1.34 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.55 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
191	Stopping on a road so as to obstruct traffic	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
195(1)	Stopping within 20m before a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
195(1)	Stopping within 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit
197(1)	Stopping on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty units
198(2)	Stopping on or across a driveway unless dropping off or picking up, passengers	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty units
199	Stopping near a post box	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	1 Penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty units
200(1)	Stopping a heavy or long vehicle on a length of road that is not in a built-up area otherwise than on the shoulder of the road	1.4 Penalty Units				0.75 Penalty units
200(2)	Stopping a heavy or long vehicle on a length of road that is not in a built-up area for longer than 1 hour unless permitted to stop on the length of road for longer than 1 hour by information on or with a traffic controlled device	1.4 Penalty Units			1 Penalty Unit	0.75 Penalty units
202	Stopping contrary to a motorbike parking sign	1 Penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty units
203(1)	Stopping contrary to a people with disabilities parking sign	4 Penalty Units	4 Penalty Units	4 penalty Units	4 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units
Part 12	Other parking offences provided for in Part 12 (Restrictions on stopping and parking)	1 Penalty Unit			0.70 Penalty Units

Table 2. Proposed Changes to Penalty Units

Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Road Rules) Regulation 2009 provision	Minor Traffic Offence	Current Penalty	Proposed Penalty	Comments
167	Stopping at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
170(1)	Stopping in an intersection	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
171	Stopping on a children's crossing or on the road within 20m before the crossing or 10 after the crossing	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
172(1)	Stopping on a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection or on a road within 20m before a crossing and 10m after the crossing otherwise than as permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
173	Stopping on a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection, or on a road within 10m before the traffic lights pole nearest to the driver at the crossing and 3m after the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
175	Stopping on a level crossing, or on a road within 20m, before the nearest rail or track to the driver approaching the crossing and 20m after the nearest rail or track to the driver leaving the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
181	Unauthorised driver stopping in a works zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists and workers
183(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a bus zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
183(1)	Stopping a bus in a bus zone contrary to a bus zone sign	1 Penalty Unit		Suggest this is deleted as covered in existing 183(1)
189(1)(a)	Stopping on a two way road between the centre of the road and another vehicle parked at the side of the road	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
191	Stopping on a road so as to obstruct traffic	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
195(1)	Stopping within 20m before a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Amend to read 'Stopping within 20m before a bus stop or 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign' Offence has a direct impact to motorist and pedestrian safety
195(1)	Stopping within 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Delete and combine with previous 195(1)

Listed below are tables that identify the offences which relate to deterring safety-related parking and stopping violations.

Table 1. Benchmarking

Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Road Rules) Regulation 2009 provision	Minor Traffic Offence	Redlands Current Penalty	Logan City Council	Brisbane City Council	Moreton Bay Council	Sunshine Coast Council
167	Stopping at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
170(1)	Stopping in an intersection	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
171	Stopping on a children's crossing or on the road within 20m before the crossing or 10 after the crossing	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
172(1)	Stopping on a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection or on a road within 20m before a crossing and 10m after the crossing otherwise than as permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
173	Stopping on a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection, or on a road within 10m before the traffic lights pole nearest to the driver at the crossing and 3m after the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
175	Stopping on a level crossing, or on a road within 20m, before the nearest rail or track to the driver approaching the crossing and 20m after the nearest rail or track to the driver leaving the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	1.5 Penalty Units
176(1)	Stopping on a road contrary to a clearway sign	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	3 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
179(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a loading zone	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	1 Penalty Unit	0.7 Penalty Unit	0.75 Penalty Units
181	Unauthorised driver stopping in a works zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
182(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a taxi zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
183(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a bus zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
183(1)	Stopping a bus in a bus zone contrary to a bus zone sign	1 Penalty Unit
185(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a permit zone	1.4 Penalty Units	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty Units
186(1)	Stopping in a mail zone	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	1 penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty Units
189(1)(a)	Stopping on a two way road between the centre of the road and another vehicle parked at the side of the road	1 Penalty Unit	1.34 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.55 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
191	Stopping on a road so as to obstruct traffic	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
195(1)	Stopping within 20m before a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units
195(1)	Stopping within 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit
197(1)	Stopping on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty units
198(2)	Stopping on or across a driveway unless dropping off or picking up, passengers	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units	0.70 Penalty Units	0.75 Penalty units
199	Stopping near a post box	1 Penalty Unit	0.67 Penalty Units	1 Penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty units
200(1)	Stopping a heavy or long vehicle on a length of road that is not in a built-up area otherwise than on the shoulder of the road	1.4 Penalty Units				0.75 Penalty units
200(2)	Stopping a heavy or long vehicle on a length of road that is not in a built-up area for longer than 1 hour unless permitted to stop on the length of road for longer than 1 hour by information on or with a traffic controlled device	1.4 Penalty Units			1 Penalty Unit	0.75 Penalty units
202	Stopping contrary to a motorbike parking sign	1 Penalty Unit		0.75 Penalty Units		0.75 Penalty units
203(1)	Stopping contrary to a people with disabilities parking sign	4 Penalty Units	4 Penalty Units	4 penalty Units	4 Penalty Units	2 Penalty Units
Part 12	Other parking offences provided for in Part 12 (Restrictions on stopping and parking)	1 Penalty Unit			0.70 Penalty Units

Table 2. Proposed Changes to Penalty Units

Transport Operations (Road Use Management - Road Rules) Regulation 2009 provision	Minor Traffic Offence	Current Penalty	Proposed Penalty	Comments
167	Stopping at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
170(1)	Stopping in an intersection	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
171	Stopping on a children's crossing or on the road within 20m before the crossing or 10 after the crossing	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
172(1)	Stopping on a pedestrian crossing that is not at an intersection or on a road within 20m before a crossing and 10m after the crossing otherwise than as permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
173	Stopping on a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection, or on a road within 10m before the traffic lights pole nearest to the driver at the crossing and 3m after the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
175	Stopping on a level crossing, or on a road within 20m, before the nearest rail or track to the driver approaching the crossing and 20m after the nearest rail or track to the driver leaving the crossing unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
181	Unauthorised driver stopping in a works zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists and workers
183(1)	Stopping an unauthorised vehicle in a bus zone	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
183(1)	Stopping a bus in a bus zone contrary to a bus zone sign	1 Penalty Unit		Suggest this is deleted as covered in existing 183(1)
189(1)(a)	Stopping on a two way road between the centre of the road and another vehicle parked at the side of the road	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct impact to other motorists and pedestrian safety
191	Stopping on a road so as to obstruct traffic	1 Penalty Unit	2 Penalty Units	Offence has a direct safety impact to other motorists
195(1)	Stopping within 20m before a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Amend to read 'Stopping within 20m before a bus stop or 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign' Offence has a direct impact to motorist and pedestrian safety
195(1)	Stopping within 10m after a bus stop unless permitted by a sign	1 Penalty Unit	1.4 Penalty Units	Delete and combine with previous 195(1)

Consultation has concluded

Local Law Amendment - Changes to Penalty Units for Minor Traffic Offences

Council resolves to not proceed with the proposed amendment

Council consults on increased penalties for minor stopping offences

Proposed amendments 2023

Supporting Documents

Lifecycle

21 June 2023 - Council resolves to commence the local law-making process for Subordinate Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2015

26 June 2023 - Proposed amendments open for comment

17 July 2023 - Engagement on proposed amendments closes

Review of submissions

Report to Council