But, it all hinges on whether Tamworth Regional Council follows suit.

The majority of parking fines in NSW are controlled and issued by local government, and in Tamworth, tardy motorists earned council $886,000 in revenue last year.

Councillor Mark Rodda said he understands the inconvenience of hefty fines, having received one himself.

“It’s a pretty mean way to sting people given how many spaces are available in the CBD, I’m sure my fellow ratepayers would be happy to see a decrease as well,” he said.

“Especially those who have been on the wrong side of history receiving a fine.

“This has been discussed previously, the amount we get per fine and I’m sure it will have an impact on revenue.”

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The fine slash comes into effect on July 1, and parking fines will drop from $110 to $80, but only in areas run by the state government – and only for for fines that don’t affect road safety.

A grace period for dallying motorists is also on the cards.

TRC regulatory services manager Ross Briggs said any changes to the value of fines issued by parking rangers is a matter for councillors.

“The State Treasurer Dominic Perrottet has announced that a review of fines will be a part of the 2018-19 State Budget to be handed down on 19 June and we await the full details to be revealed,” he said.

“Mr Perrottet said new legislation will be introduced to allow local governments and other authorities the flexibility to also charge lower amounts. Once the legislation is in place, councillors may then choose to consider reducing fines.”

Recipients of penalty infringement notices make payments to the Office of State Revenue. The office takes a processing fee before passing on the balance to the Council which issued the infringement notice.

Any revenue council receives from parking fines along with income from parking meters goes to its Car Parking Reserve, which is used to maintain existing and fund new car park infrastructure.

Council currently issues a $110 penalty infringement notice for parking longer than permitted in a parking bay, parking without a current ticket displayed or parking after a ticket has expired. 

There is a range of parking options in the Tamworth CBD including untimed free parking, timed free parking, metered parking and all-day metered parking.

Councillors attended a workshop on Tuesday night about the future of parking in the region, but cuts to parking fine costs aren’t on the agenda yet.

Long term parking strategies and more immediate adjustments for parking in the CBD are under review, said Cr Juanita Wilson.

“We’re not looking at it currently because it’s only just been announced, it’s too early to make any prediction on what council might do,” she said.​

New England North West Business Chamber regional manager Joe Townsend has applauded what he calls the “common sense” approach to parking.

“This announcement supports small business and helps address what has been a frustration of business and customers alike,” he said.

The proposal to cap fines imposed by councils is one he believes will illuminate those that want to work with residents and business, and those that are simply interested in revenue raising.