Opinion
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Why does getting a parking ticket sting so much? Sure, $114 is way over the top for exceeding a $2 ticket. And I only have myself to blame for not watching the clock.
But it's also because in the world of Wollongong City Council regulation, parking may be an activity which does some of the least damage, but it's one that's quite simple to enforce.
In Wollongong, it's hard to get action on tree vandalism, dogs doing the wrong thing on beaches, illegal dumping, pollution from construction sites, or even a car parked in the middle of a beach.
Now council plans to ban smoking on beaches - but admits no-one will be able to enforce it. It will be up to us.
"Self-regulation" will apparently do the trick - as it does in the Crown St Mall, where people have accepted the rules, and no-one smokes anymore, council claims. Not sure which Crown St Mall they're looking at.
Earlier this year some goon drove his 4WD right down into the middle of Wombarra beach. I called the council. It was Friday afternoon. Not much we can do, sorry. We can get up there on Monday.
But he will be gone by Monday.
Yes but there's not much we can do. It's getting too late for rangers to come up there.
This was no accident: the council has a compliance and enforcement policy which requires a "proportional approach" to investigating and responding to complaints of unlawful activity.
It "applies a risk based approach" to "ensure resources are focussed on those matters posing the biggest risk to the community and environment".
That is, how much effort will have to be expended, versus how much damage is being done, and what benefit is there from taking action. Council's not entirely to blame for this - the policy is modelled on one recommended by the NSW Ombudsman.
Busting me for parking? Minimal effort, maximum effect. Investigating a car in the middle of a beach? Too much effort late in the day. Proactively targeting repeat tree vandals? Maximum effort.
And now, smoking bans, but no effort to enforce it - that would require enforcement staff, probably working on weekends.
Given some of the types who smoke at the beach, "self-regulation" might be pretty intimidating for many.
We are blessed to live in such interesting times.
The NSW Environmental Protection Authority has also undergone something of a self-image transition towards a more friendly approach to polluting industries. They're partners now, encouraging industry to obey the law.
"We partner with business, government and the community to reduce pollution and waste, protect human health, and prevent degradation of the environment," the EPA website says.
"We encourage businesses to make sure their activities do not harm the environment and human health ..."
Isn't that nice, encouraging businesses to obey the law so humans and the environment don't get poisoned.
How about some positive reinforcement on smoking then? "Encourage" people to act lawfully. Ratepayers can carry stickers which they give to people doing the right thing.
Not smoking on a beach? Here, have a sticker. Smoking? No sticker for you.
Staff required: nil. Costs: minimal. Illusion of virtuous activity: maximum.
Better still, how about we apply the "self-regulation with signage" to parking? Instead of getting tickets, we manage ourselves and the rules, leaving the parking rangers to target things "are the biggest risk to the community".
Perfect. Get me a report on my desk by 8am tomorrow. Lunch?