Richmond Valley Council like other councils in NSW has adopted standard parking restrictions in areas of heavy traffic both vehicular and pedestrian.

The Casino and Evans Head central business districts have ample parking for both short term and long term stays. Street parking within the CBD is mostly 60 degree angle parking nose to kerb, however parallel parking can still be found in the fringe areas.

Coraki, Broadwater and Woodburn central business districts also have ample parking for both short term and long term stays. Street parking within these CBDs is mostly parallel parking in direction of travel however there is still some 60 degree rear to curb angle parking in some areas.

Most of the street parking is restricted to 1 and 2 hour parking limits and longer limits can best be found within the numerous free car parking areas close in to the CBD. These areas have 3 hour limits and substantial all day parking areas.

When parking your vehicle in Casino please ensure it is legally parked and that you check all sign posting, making yourself aware of any restrictions which may apply to the area in which you are parked.

Council rangers conduct random parking patrols throughout the CBD on a daily basis.

Common signage and rules

No stopping

The NO STOPPING sign means you are not permitted to stop unless traffic conditions require it (e.g. in a queue of traffic). These zones are created for public safety. Dropping off of passengers or goods in these zones is an offence.

Bus zones

A driver must not stop in a BUS ZONE unless the driver is driving a public bus, in the course of a paid regular service.

No parking

The NO PARKING symbol means you may stop for a maximum of two minutes. The driver must be in attendance of the vehicle and not more than three metres from the vehicle. This is to allow a vehicle to pick up or drop off passengers and good. (Eg dropping children off a school within no parking zones.)

Parking on footpaths, on and across driveways

​Under Road Rule 208 it is an offence for a motor vehicle to stop on a path/strip in a built up area unless there are permissible parking signs or a hard bay surface constructed for the purpose of motor vehicle parking. It is also an offence to park on or across a driveway or other property entrance. Council will exercise discretion in enforcing the rules in some streets where circumstances warrant such discretion.

Loading zones

LOADING ZONES are clearly signed parking areas set aside for short term use by certain vehicles when loading and unloading good in the course of business or when dropping off or picking up passengers. Loading Zones are generally located in urban centres for the use of vehicles principally designed for carrying goods. Loading zones may apply during certain hours only, or they may operate 24 hours.

Station wagons and three-wheeled motorcycles (principally designed for carrying goods) may park in a loading zone for up to 15 minutes only. The majority of 4WD, hatchback and other coupe and sport type vehicles are not defined as a station wagon under the NSW regulations as they are not principally designed and constructed for carrying goods, and are excluded from being allowed to park in these zones however discretion will be applied by rangers when dealing with complaints.

Time limited parking

A time limit may be stated on permissive parking signs. This enables anyone to use the available parking area for a set period. The limited time is shown by a number beside the letter ‘P’ symbol (eg ‘1P’ means one hour parking; ‘1/2P’ half hour parking). Where the limit is very short (eg 5 minutes) the word MINUTE or MIN is shown with the number. Once the time limit has been reached the vehicle must leave the area.

(NOTE: The time limit displayed limits how long you may park in an area and dose not refer to the individual parking space. Vehicles must leave the area (time zone) in which they are parked to comply with the time restriction.)

School zones

Richmond Valley Council is committed to providing a safe environment for the community around schools. Parking unsafely can put children’s lives at risk. Increased fines and loss of demerit points apply when certain parking offences are committed in an operating school zone.

• Parking in a driveway or on a footpath
• Stopping in a bus zone or no stopping area
• Stopping on or near a pedestrian or children’s crossing
• Double parking
• Parking in a no parking area for longer than allowed.

Council encourages parents to plan ahead when making arrangements in dropping off or picking children up from school, if in doubt of the rules and regulations please contact one of the friendly rangers who will be more than happy to assist you.

Parking for disabled drivers

Disabled drivers with a Mobility Parking Scheme (MPS) permit displayed on the windscreen are entitled to the following parking concessions:

• When parking  is limited by a sign to more than 30 minutes, the vehicle can park all day
• Where parking is limited by a sign for 30 minutes, the vehicle can park for 2hrs
• Where parking is limited by a sign to less than 30 minutes, the vehicle can park for a maximum of 30 minutes.

All disability parking permits issued in NSW will consist of an MPS permit and an Australian Disability Permit. You must display the new Australian Disability Parking Permit along with your NSW MPS permit to be eligible for parking concessions. The permit must only be displayed when the vehicle is being used to transport the permit holder. Heavy fines apply for misuse.

Parking tips

• Ask a Council ranger for assistance or advice regarding parking rules – they are only too happy to provide assistance and advice, directions and general information about parking related matters in and around the Richmond Valley Council area.
• Read all signs – regulated parking areas are clearly sign posted to advise motorist of parking requirements for that particular area, paying particular attention to multiple signs and time restrictions.
• “No Parking” areas can be utilised for drop off and pick up zones were the driver does not stay longer than 2 minutes and is within 3 metres of the vehicle.
• Be aware of signage changes as some timed zones may become school zones, clearways, tansitlanes or bus lanes.
• Do not stop at any time in a no stopping zone, clearway or bus zone.
• Only park in a loading zone if your vehicle is principally designed for the carrying of goods. Sedans are not permitted at any time.
• Disabled zones are designated for vehicles with a valid RTA Mobility Parking Scheme permit, which has to be displayed clearly on your vehicle in the correct manner (the penalty is excess of $430).
• Do not park within 10 metres of an intersection without traffic lights.

Parking fines

Parking fines are set by legislation administered by the Road Transport & Maritime Service of NSW, (formally known as the Roads & Traffic Authority). The monetary value of parking fines is also set by legislation administered by the Road Transport & Maritime Service and NSW Treasury. Councils do not set or amend parking fine penalties.

Council’s parking rangers cannot withdraw a notice once it has been issued or commenced. Once a notice has been issued or commenced, there is an appeals procedure which can be made directly to Revenue NSW.

Council’s rangers are trained to assist members of the public with their requests for information and advice regarding parking related matters and general advice.

I have been fined, now what can I do?

Pay the fine

You must pay the fine within 21 days of it being issued. You may pay by:

• Internet: payments via credit card to Revenue NSW
• Phone: 1300 130 112 using your credit card.
• Post: Attach a cheque or money order (with penalty notice number written clearly on the back of the cheque) to Revenue NSW, PO Box 786, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012.
• In person: at any Australian Post Office (Bill Pay)

Please note: Richmond Valley Council cannot accept payment of fines, all payments must be made directly to Revenue NSW.

Appeals

You may appeal this fine in the follow manner:

• Submit a written representation to the State Debt Recovery Office, a review form can be download and submitted from the SDRO web site.
• By electing to go to Casino local court and have the matter heard by a sitting magistrate.

If you are having trouble paying the penalty amount, you will need to contact Revenue NSW who will then further advise of what payment options are available to you.

Write to:
Revenue NSW
PO Box 786
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

Or visit the NSW Revenue website for further information.