Arabic version: غرامات مواقف السيارات في بريزبن تقترب من 35 مليون دولار

According to ABC News, Brisbane City Council has issued 176,494 parking infringement notices this calendar year, totalling $34,941,602. Residents in parking enforcement hot spots have been seen obscuring number plates with plastic sheets, camping chairs and dishcloths as the council expands its automatic camera system.

The council said the issue occurred “from time to time” and that officers could conduct foot patrols to assess cases individually. It cannot issue infringement notices for obscured or altered number plates because those offences fall under state legislation.

Queensland Police Service said number plates must be visible from 45 degrees in all directions at a distance of 20 metres. Plates covered by bull bars, towbars, driving lights or other material, as well as faded, unreadable or tucked-away plates, are illegal. Police said they regularly check plate condition and issue fines where vehicles do not comply.

New cameras operating around the clock at parking complaint hot spots have issued more than 8,000 infringement notices this year. The cameras were first trialled in four locations in early 2025 and expanded to more than 40 locations in November. Graham Street in South Brisbane and Park Road in Milton accounted for more than 3,000 notices.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Customer Services Councillor Sarah Hutton said illegal parking in clearways, no stopping zones and bus zones could delay thousands of people and affect traffic flow and safety. Council mobile enforcement vehicles have issued almost 100,000 infringements since January 1.