Controversial cashless parking meters spark outrage in North Sydney.

By ANNA USHER

A new cashless parking system introduced in the North Sydney local government area has sparked significant backlash, with locals criticizing it as overly complicated and confusing.

Pressure is mounting to have the recently introduced devices removed, after motorists discovered they are being clipped with an 8.25% surcharge per transaction.

The new meters began operating in July and require a user to input a wealth of personal data – full name, phone number, email, postcode, car registration, and credit card details – to use the parking facilities.

Local Peter Clarke voiced his anger to Mosman Collective, describing the new system as turning the once-simple act of parking into an “absolute nightmare.”

“Whatever happened to just dropping a few coins in the meter? The whole system is a joke – and we’re the punchline,” Clarke said.

“North Sydney Council is happy to crow about them being solar-powered and environmentally friendly, but you can’t navigate them – it’s almost impossible.”

Adding to the frustration are three separate payment methods – meters, Touch N Go boxes, and the PayStay App – with zone numbers now replacing traditional bay numbers.

Another resident, Lori McPherson, was shocked to discover the 8.35% surcharge after parking in Crows Nest this week. “I am beyond furious and will make my voice heard at the council elections next weekend,” she stated

Over the past two months, North Sydney Rangers have also increased parking enforcement, with a noticeable spike in issued fines. According to Revenue NSW, the number jumped from 3,851 in June 2024, collecting $737,576, to 5,007 fines in July, totalling $927,273.

A North Sydney Council spokesperson said in a statement that it is actively working to resolve community frustration surrounding the meters.

They explained the 8.25% surcharge applies only to the PayStay app and Touch N Go boxes, and customers can avoid these fees by using the meters. “The decision was made to implement a user-pays model to avoid passing costs onto the broader ratepayer base,” the spokesperson said.

The community backlash comes at a time when the council faces criticism for unfinished projects like North Sydney Olympic Pool, with residents like McPherson accusing the council of “gouging” locals with increased parking fines.

“The Rangers are issuing parking tickets like they’re going out of fashion, and this is just another way of gouging us,” she said.

“They can’t finish the pool, but they have no trouble hitting rate payers in the hip pocket to help pay for their mistakes.”