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

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.